Who doesn’t love to watch movies? We all do. But most of the time we are being informed about the adverse effects of it like increased blue light exposure, lack of movement, and mindless snacking, but very few have actually talked about the positive side of it. Everything that we use or do has both positive and negative sides, it totally depends on the person how he/she uses it. Similarly, Movies and TV viewing also have some positive side towards it. Not only in keeping us entertained, but movies can also work as therapy. These reasons will tell you why and how movies are important for our well-being. Keeps your heart healthy A recent study from the University College London found that going to a movie provides a heart rate increase similar to 40 minutes of low-impact cardio along with other health benefits. Going to theatres helps people immerse more in the experience as there are no distractions. Provides cognitive benefits Researchers have also found that paying attention to a plot of a movie without being distracted could provide cognitive benefits, such as helping strengthen problem-solving skills. This type of activity is beneficial in a world filled with distractions, multi-tasking, and multiple screens. It makes us feel happy Whether it is a fun movie or a sad one, both types of films make their viewers happy in different ways. Where the fun movies trigger our endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, the sad movies help us appreciate everything good in our own lives, we feel thankful for our own lives and “smaller” problems in comparison to others. Provides healthy escapism Movies have the power of transporting us to the imaginative world. It helps break from whatever is bothering us at that moment. It takes us to a whole different place and time for a short period of time, which gives our brains a much-needed rest from “the usual.” Reduce Loneliness When people sit together and watch a movie, there is a synchronisation of heartbeats, allowing for positive social connectedness and greater bonding, which could also help us to reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. Stress Buster Movies are known for this quality. Watching something suspenseful, thriller or horror movies releases cortisol (the stress hormone) in the brain, followed by dopamine, which produces feelings of pleasure. Helps in dealing with difficult situations According to Gary Solomon, the author of two books on cinema therapy, movies helps in dealing and coping with a difficult situation in life. According to his research, if someone is facing any difficult situation in life, He/she should choose movies with themes that mirror his/her current problems or situation, because it will give them a sense of resonance and will make them understand how to deal with the situation.
