We love watching Friends.
Yes, we have probably seen every single episode multiple times, but it’s something you can just stick on, sit back and laugh along to.
Whether you’re busy, just want to scroll on Instagram or actually want to watch the show, it’s good to have on in the background, and now it has been found to reduce anxiety.
How?
Well, according to clinical psychologist, Marc Hekster, the show can completely relax someone due to it’s nature. Problems come up in the show and are resolved, which can help ease someone’s mind. It’s also extremely relatable.
Speaking to the Metro, Marc said:
“Having worked for over a period of 20 years with those experiencing anxiety, I can conclude that among other factors, it is the repetitive and relational nature of programs such as Friends and Big Bang Theory that will be doing the trick.
“Anxiety is in fact the human minds’ alarm system, indicating that something is wrong, and usually the result of pent-up and unprocessed feelings.
“If they can’t find a way of being expressed, the alarm system triggers, and it is usually not very pleasant for the person suffering with the anxiety. Few people who suffer from anxiety will have much good to say about it, and will want to escape it.
“[Watching Friends] is about an experience of repair, of watching the characters in the show repeatedly having worries, which then get repaired and soothed, usually in the context of other relationships in their lives.
“Complex problems are made the focus of each episode, and then they are resolved within the relationships which are the essence of the shows. It is pure escapism – excellent, bring it on.”
Bring it on, indeed.
