The Benefits of Film Therapy – There are many documented benefits to watching films to the extent that it is actually known as a form of therapy.
It can change the way we think, feel, and ultimately deal with life’s ups and downs and therefore can make watching them invaluable experiences for your wellbeing.
For thousands of years, knowledge and wisdom have been passed down through the art of storytelling. Stories offer us different perspectives and help us understand and make sense of the world and our own lives, and ultimately movies are stories.
Film Therapy Benefits:
General entertainment – absorbing yourself into a film can transport you to a different time and place allowing you to just focus on the present moment for a short time. This gives our brains a much-needed rest from “the usual.” day to day life experiences.
Relaxation – this may not come easy to many of us however being engrossed in a good film for an hour or so, allows you to disconnect from everyday life, escaping your own worries or problems for a short time. It can help you relax as well as bring karma to your day.
A film can create laughter and happiness and there’s no doubt that these emotions have an influence over both our mental and physical health as well as psychological relief.
Even sad films can make us feel happier. Watching something suspenseful releases cortisol (the stress hormone) in the brain, followed by dopamine, which produces feelings of pleasure.
Sad and distressing movies can also help your emotions surface from deep inside you shedding cathartic tears. Allowing you to rethink your negative thoughts and find new perspectives that will help you reflect on and change your attitude. It can also make it easier for a person to become more comfortable in expressing their emotions in everyday life.
Film therapy can be beneficial for Problem Analysis – Relating to a film can allow you to focus on your own problems through identification and empathy.
Rethinking your negative thoughts. Through movies, you may find new perspectives that will help you reflect on and change your own attitude.
Development of creativity. There’s no doubt that the different perspectives you see in movies can elevates, move and inspire you to be more creative, flexible, innovative and a better person. This in turn can help to build your self-esteem and strengths.
Improves personal relationships. Watching and commenting on a movie with friends and family has a huge social and emotional value.
So, the next time you indulge in a movie, just think of all the positives it may bring to your day…
Lilly Light