Watching Movies is Good for Our Health
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I come bearing great news!
I know that perhaps sometimes we’ll associate sitting down and watching movies with laziness which, theoretically, makes sense. However, what if I were to tell you that watching movies can be good for your health? You probably wouldn’t believe me, but the science is there!
Throughout the last 20 years we’ve become increasingly aware of the significance of mental health in our lives and how it impacts us as humans. Now, we know that mental health is just as important as physical health; going day-to-day working, moving, thinking and using up energy is not easy when you’re feeling down and less than 100 per cent. Even tasks such as getting out of bed or brushing our hair can seem difficult at times. We try our best to preach our best tips for feeling better mentally all day, every day, and movies can help with this.
Movies are an amazing art form. Using elements such as image, sound effects, music, dialogue, storyline, conflict and resolution gives us a visual story that provokes emotion.
When watching a typical conflict-resolution movie, your brain will release a chemical called cortisol during a conflict or a particularly stressful part in the movie, and then it will release dopamine afterward which causes feelings of pleasure. There's even a form of therapy called “cinema therapy,” which therapists prescribe to their patients with when they believe it could be beneficial.
Movies can distract you from what you’re currently experiencing. By investing your attention into a movie, you’re concentrating on the story of the characters, what they’re experiencing and how they’re reacting to it all. This allows you to forget what’s bothering you. If the movie has a positive ending, it can make you feel hopeful about your own personal struggles.
Additionally, they can make you relate to something you’re going through and seeing it from a completely different perspective. Say you experience something unpleasant and you think of it as a huge inconvenience. A movie where the main character also goes through a tough situation, then realizing that the problem led them to a better place in the end, can aid you into seeing things more clearly and to keep your mind wide open.
Movies can allow an emotional release. Keeping in your emotions for a long period of time can add up to the point where you’ll eventually burn out. A comedy or a coming-of-age movie that can make you cry allows you to feel somewhat lighter and lets you get a lot of disregarded emotions off of your chest. It is also helpful to watch a movie you love to feel a sense of comfort.
If you ever feel blue or overwhelmed, I highly recommend disconnecting from your phone and any sources of possible stress and misery. Sit down and enjoy a movie you know will make you feel better. Thanks, science!
Andy March.
A 19 year old student at Algonquin College, being forced out of her comfort zone to write about stuff she likes and post it ! Avid lover of movies, movie soundtracks, and sweet and salty popcorn.
