Redditors Picked 5 Best Shows to Watch When Struggling With Anxiety
Anxiety can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, but sometimes you really need something to distract yourself and help you breathe.
One of the best ways to distract yourself from the overwhelming existential thoughts is to immerse yourself in another world where things feel simpler, easier, or even uplifting. And TV shows can definitely do that, providing a temporary escape from the pressures of everyday life.
When you're feeling anxious, it's important to choose something that will help calm your mind, lift your spirits, or even provide a comforting sense of nostalgia. Of course, you should never equate mental health care with binging shows, but sometimes the latter can be a good complement.
Recently, Redditors shared their top picks for the best shows to watch when struggling with anxiety, and here are five best of them to help ease your stress.
1. The Great British Bake Off
One of the most recommended shows by Redditors, The Great British Bake Off, is a comforting reality show that features amateur bakers competing in a series of baking challenges. The pace of the show is slow, with no sudden twists or drama, making it ideal for a relaxing evening after a stressful day.
Set in the picturesque British countryside, the show has a warm and friendly atmosphere, with contestants supporting each other rather than competing with hostility. For those struggling with anxiety, the calm and positive environment of the show can be a comforting contrast to real life.
2. Virgin River ( 2019-)
Virgin River has also become a go-to choice for many people looking for a soothing, heartfelt escape. The series is set in the beautiful landscape of a small town in Northern California. It follows Mel Monroe, a nurse who moves to Virgin River to start over after a painful past, and a bunch of other characters all navigating their slow lives.
“Virgin River. It's basically medicine. I don't watch it because it's amazing; I watch it because it's soothing,” Redditor SoloCoat said.
3. Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020)
Schitt’s Creek is another name that pops up when talking about comfort shows. This Canadian sitcom follows the once-wealthy Rose family as they are forced to live in a small, rundown town they had bought as a joke.
The show’s charm lies in its quirky characters and the personal growth they undergo throughout the series. All the characters are absolutely relatable, which also helps a lot.
“Every time I am having bad anxiety I watch Schitt’s Creek. Such a feel good show and makes me feel ok every time I watch it! Hope it helps,” Redditor sg1sarahsg said.
4. Kim's Convenience (2016-2021)
Kim's Convenience is a light-hearted sitcom filled with hilarious moments and delightful family interactions. It follows a Korean-Canadian family that runs a convenience store in Toronto. The show focuses on Mr. Kim, his wife Umma, and their daughter Janet as they navigate their relationships and daily lives in a quirky way.
5. The Good Place ( 2016-2020)
For those who enjoy a thoughtful mix of philosophy and humor, The Good Place is a must-see. Despite the existential themes at the heart of the series, the show is careful not to overwhelm viewers with tough love. Instead, with its optimistic view of life and death, The Good Place offers both comedy and reflection that can soothe anxious thoughts and help.
The series follows Eleanor Shellstrop, who finds herself in the "Good Place" of the afterlife despite not living a particularly good life. As she navigates her new reality in this perfect world, she learns about ethics, morality, and shows tremendous personal growth. And also discovers a great mystery about the afterlife itself.
