Ever find yourself clicking on that same old sitcom episode, even though you know exactly what's going to happen? You're not alone! Millions of us find comfort in rewatching our favorite shows. But why do we do it? And what does it have to do with how we feel?
We talked to Dr Nikhil Nayar, a Psychiatrist at Sharda Hospital in Noida, to get the expert lowdown. Here is everything he shared with us and you need to know!
Comfort of the Familiar
Think about your favorite sitcom. Maybe it's the funny friends in that coffee shop, or the quirky family with their hilarious problems. Whatever it is, these shows become familiar friends. Rewatching them is like visiting old buddies.
1. Predictability is Soothing
Life can be full of surprises, and not always good ones. When you watch a sitcom you've seen many times, there are no surprises. You know the jokes, you know the storylines, and you know everything will (usually) work out in the end. This predictability can be really calming and help you feel safe and secure.
Also Read: Is There A Reason For Young People To Be Unhappy? Psychiatrist Weighs In
2. A Dose of Nostalgia
Often, our favorite sitcoms are from a time when things felt simpler or happier. Rewatching them can bring back those good memories and give us a warm, fuzzy feeling of nostalgia. It's like taking a little trip down memory lane.
3. Emotional Connection
We often connect with the characters in our favorite shows. We laugh with them, we feel for them, and they become a part of our lives in a way. Rewatching allows us to revisit these connections and feel a sense of belonging.
What Happens To Your Brain on Rewatching
There's actually some science behind why rewatching feels so good:
- Release of Endorphins: Just like when you eat your favorite comfort food, watching something familiar and enjoyable can trigger the release of endorphins in your brain. These are natural chemicals that make you feel happy and relaxed.
- Reduced Decision Fatigue: After a long day of making choices, the last thing you might want to do is scroll through endless options on a streaming service. Rewatching something you already know eliminates the need to decide, saving your mental energy.
Also Read: Is There A Reason For Young People To Be Unhappy? Psychiatrist Weighs In
The Link to Mental Health
So, how does this relate to our mental well-being?
- Stress Relief: In a world that can feel overwhelming, the familiar comfort of a favorite sitcom can be a great way to unwind and de-stress. It's a mental escape where you don't have to think too hard or worry about anything new.
- Coping Mechanism: For some, rewatching familiar shows can be a way to cope with anxiety or difficult emotions. The predictability and positive feelings can offer a sense of stability when things feel uncertain.
- A Moment of Joy: Sometimes, all we need is a good laugh. Sitcoms are designed to be funny, and rewatching our favorites guarantees those moments of lightheartedness that can boost our mood.
A Word of Caution
While rewatching your favorite sitcom can be a healthy way to relax and find comfort, it's important to make sure it doesn't become an avoidance mechanism. If you're constantly turning to the same shows to avoid dealing with real-life issues, it might be a sign to explore other coping strategies.
Bottomline
There's no shame in hitting "play" on that beloved sitcom for the tenth time. It offers a sense of comfort, predictability, and joy that can be beneficial for our mental well-being. So go ahead, settle in, and enjoy the familiar laughter. Sometimes, that's exactly what we need.