In a world addicted to high-stakes thrillers, true crime documentaries, and apocalyptic dramas, it seems we’ve been feeding our brains a steady diet of dread. Whether it’s bingeing on serial killer docuseries or doom-scrolling through endless news cycles, modern entertainment has become a cocktail of cortisol-spiking content. And while gripping narratives have their place, mental health experts are gently waving red flags: maybe it’s time we switched to something a little… lighter.
Romance, comedy, feel-good dramas, and stories where the worst thing that happens is someone accidentally kissing their nemesis under mistletoe. Yes, we’re talking about the kind of content where the dog doesn’t die, misunderstandings get resolved, and everyone gets their happily ever after. Turns out, this isn’t just entertainment fluff—it’s potential medicine for the mind.
The content we consume has a surprisingly direct impact on our emotional state. Consuming heavy or dark content regularly can lead to increased anxiety, stress, and even desensitisation. But lighter content gives the brain space to relax and recalibrate.
Think of it as emotional palate cleansing. Just like you wouldn’t eat deep-fried food three meals a day (hopefully), our minds also need variety. Lighter shows—be they romantic comedies, feel-good travel vlogs, or baking competitions—activate the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing our heart rate and promoting calmness.
That’s not to say we should shun serious storytelling or complex plots. But in the same way we balance work and rest, high-intensity content could use some counter-programming. If your nightly Netflix habit leaves you clenching your jaw or staring into the abyss at 2 am, it might be time to swap murder for meet-cutes.
In fact, watching romantic comedies can do more than just make you chuckle. A 2022 study from the University of Rochester found that feel-good romantic content helped viewers feel more hopeful and connected—two emotions that are crucial in warding off feelings of isolation and depression. Romance stories, with their predictability and emotional resolution, offer a sense of safety and stability, something our nervous systems are quietly craving in a chaotic world.
And let’s not forget the sheer power of laughter. Light-hearted sitcoms and stand-up specials can trigger the release of endorphins—our body’s natural painkillers and mood boosters.
Next time you feel emotionally drained or stuck in a mental rut, don’t underestimate the power of a sunny rom-com or a wholesome cooking show. Let yourself root for predictable love stories and underdog bakers. Let your brain take a breather from the darkness.
