Benefits of Reran-Watching for Stress Relief

In times of stress, individuals often resort to activities like exercise or meditation for relief. While these practices are effective, sometimes, the simple act of watching reruns of a favorite TV show can also be a stress reliever.

Research has explored this phenomenon and found that watching reruns can replenish energy reserves through a low-stress and "social" experience.

Studies Linking TV Watching and Stress Relief

• Study 1: Participants completed structured or neutral tasks. One group described their favorite TV show, while the other listed room items. Those who wrote about their favorite show spent more time writing, especially after completing the structured task, suggesting a restorative effect.

• Study 2: Daily logs recorded energy-consuming tasks, media consumption, and energy levels. When faced with energy-demanding tasks, participants sought out reruns of favorite shows, movies, or books, which effectively restored energy.

Key Findings and Implications

• Reruns vs. New Episodes: The studies showed that watching reruns, specifically, rather than new episodes or random shows, can have a significant impact on energy restoration.

• Social Surrogacy: Reruns provide a comforting "social surrogacy," allowing individuals to relax and engage with familiar characters without the unpredictability and potential conflict of real-life social encounters.

Ongoing Debate on Television and Stress

• Positive and Negative Effects: The findings contribute to the debate on whether television is a stress reliever or a stress inducer. They suggest that TV can be used for stress relief in appropriate circumstances.

• Benefits of Reruns: Research has highlighted other positive aspects of watching favorite television shows, such as increased pro-social behavior and pro-relationship actions.

Conclusion

There is no shame in indulging in simple pleasures like TV reruns when feeling stressed. While there may be more effective stress relievers, allowing oneself to unwind with such activities can provide much-needed relief.