Entrepreneur Spencer Schar has been a movie enthusiast from an early age, as well as an avid reader. This article will explore the positive impact of watching movies on mental health, improving mood and providing a welcome release and escape from the pressures of everyday life.
Watching movies has multiple mental health benefits. In addition to boosting mood and promoting rest and relaxation, moviegoing helps people to disconnect from work and other daily stressors, coaxing audiences to switch off phones and other devices, effectively putting themselves in “do not disturb” mode. Eliminating all other distractions enables moviegoers to immerse themselves in the experience, engaging their mind fully without distractions for a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. The attached infographic provides an overview of the biggest global box office hits of 2023.
Watching movies is a motivational activity in many ways, providing the mind with a welcome escape. It also enables professionals to ward off feelings of burnout and helps them to be more productive. The attached PDF provides an overview of other strategies to help boost motivation.
According to a recent UCL study, regular trips to the cinema help to boost emotional wellbeing, with just a few hours in front of the big screen imparting positive impacts on people’s mental and physical state. The study was conducted via a collaboration between a team of researchers from UCL’s Department of Experimental Psychology working in conjunction with Vue Entertainment. The research revealed a direct link between watching movies and an improvement in brain function, social connections, creativity, and productivity.
For people who have been experiencing a disconnect with their loved ones, be it their child, best friend, or romantic partner, watching movies together can help strengthen the sense of connection, particularly between those who share the same taste in films, not only providing an exciting source of entertainment but also a shared experience and an interesting talking point.
Research suggests that comedies can help to lower stress levels, lowering production of cortisol and epinephrine. Meanwhile, watching films that focus on tough topics can be a thought-provoking experience, inspiring social and cultural reflection.
A growing body of research suggests that leisure activities such as watching films can help to boost mood, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. For people experiencing mental health problems, taking time to watch a film provides entertainment and a pleasurable distraction, providing rest, relaxation, and replenishing qualities, a 2017 study suggests. The attached video takes a closer look at the study and its findings.