Comfort Rewatching: Your Secret to Emotional Wellness
A Daily Dose of Emotional Respite
You’ve had a day: your boss was grumpy, your dog devoured your favorite sneaker, and your email inbox seems to have taken a life of its own, morphing into a hostile digital entity. Finally at home, you collapse into a pile of cushions, remote in hand, and let your thumb glide over a new cinematic extravaganza beckoning with unmatched critical acclaim.
Yet, unexpectedly, you skip past those shiny new titles and find yourself pressing play on Parks and Recreation, Season 3, Episode 7. Again.
Science Validates Your TV Habits
Is this pattern a sign of laziness or a glitch in your evening routine? Absolutely not, according to a study by the State University of New York (SUNY). Rewatching beloved shows isn’t procrastination, it’s emotional regulation. Dr. Jaye Derrick, a psychologist with a scholarly soft spot for comfort TV, explains that this habit creates “parasocial relationships”—one-sided bonds with characters, which provide a comforting sensation akin to visiting with old friends.
The Allure of Predictability
Amid the wild unpredictability of life (hello, relentless news cycle), the predictable plotlines of Leslie Knope’s universe provide solace. Know every punchline and plot twist? Perfect! This predictability offers the comforting consistency of a warm blanket and an irreverently funny sitcom reunion, minus the dehydration of social gatherings.
Nostalgia: A Mental Retreat
Delving back into classic shows like Friends is akin to a mental retreat. Embracing the familiar quips and circumstances is more than nostalgia; it’s psychic restoration. Think of it as a yoga session for your mind, where sarcastic repartees replace contemplative breaths and sprawling coffee mugs fill your cup of contentment.
Embrace Your Viewing Ritual
The next time someone raises an eyebrow over your perpetual Brooklyn Nine-Nine dive, enlighten them about your “proactive cognitive stability-building” activities. You’re not indulging in mere entertainment but engaging in a sophisticated self-care ritual, ensuring your emotional wellness with each press of the play button.
So, wrap up in your cherished blanket, pull on those snug socks, and settle in for yet another cathartic run of Schitt’s Creek. It’s not just TV; it’s therapy.
