It may be hard to believe at first sight. But, as difficult to swallow as it may be, it’s true. Watching TV can be good for you. As with anything in life, it’s all about moderation and balance. Below, we explain three reasons why watching the TV can be beneficial to your health…..
1. LOWER YOUR STRESS LEVELS
According to a recent study, watching TV lowers the level of cortisol (the ‘stress hormone’) in your blood. High levels of cortisol can be a concern as it is often linked with a number of health problems such as; high blood pressure, weight gain, high cholesterol, weakened immune system and depression. The main reason for TV lowering these cortisol levels is because the activity itself is a passive one. Meaning that there is less interaction required than if you were playing a video game, for example. Many of us indulge in watching a favourite show or movie to help us wind down and “de-stress” at the end of a hectic day. In short, the more time we spend taking part in an activity that doesn’t require much interaction and provides enjoyment, the less stress we can expect to experience.
2. PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING
As obvious as it sounds, certain TV shows have a unique ability to educate people about healthy living. There will be times when we come away from watching an episode of House or Grey’s Anatomy with an improved awareness of certain illnesses, what causes them and how to avoid them. This is due to these shows providing extremely accurate information on these conditions. In the academic world, this amalgamation of health-related facts into television dramas is called ‘entertainment-education.’
3. CREATIVE INSPIRATION
Finally, there is a definite connection between witnessing normal people achieve great things and being inspired to do so ourselves. Watching certain programmes like MasterChef or any of the iconic talent shows has the ability to instil belief in the rest of us that ‘if they can do it, why can’t I?’ We experience happiness and pride watching this kind of show, they force us to search for more creativity in our own lives. For many people, happiness stems from creating new things, making discoveries and meeting new people. Maintaining a creative outlook can boost happiness due to higher production of endorphins in the blood which can lead to a better overall well-being.
You now have three good reasons to watch TV. If someone gives you a hard time for watching too much, just tell them that you are lowering your cortisol levels, learning about important health issues, and living vicariously through some really creative people.
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