How series affect our health, the expert warned of hidden risks.
Multiserial stories easily draw you in: one episode and your hand reaches for the next. Hours, and sometimes entire nights, pass unnoticed. But doctors warn: uncontrolled binge-watching can not only rob you of sleep and energy but also gradually form a dangerous addiction. Why this happens and how to stop in time is explained by an expert.
Don’t Binge-Watch Movies
According to Professor Oleg Shvets, there is even a term "binge-watching." This refers to situations where a person watches several episodes in a row without taking their eyes off the screen. Some can spend an entire day, or even a night, in this mode.
– Watching series itself is not harmful. Many try to relax, relieve stress, or temporarily distract themselves from their problems this way. But one should ask themselves whether this really contributes to restoring the balance of their psycho-emotional state? – continues the professor.
He also adds that such enthusiasm can even take on the character of an unhealthy habit. This means when it becomes the only way for a person to overcome difficulties. It is quite alarming when a series lover stops engaging in other activities during their free time, avoids socializing, doesn’t get enough sleep, feels tired, and experiences a decline in productivity in daily life.
The main danger is that continuous binge-watching can negatively affect a person’s physical and mental health.
Take Breaks While Watching Series
– Yes, sometimes you can arrange a series marathon, but moderation is key, – notes Oleg Shvets.
Do not watch series continuously; take breaks. Here’s why you should step away from the screen.
SLEEP PROBLEMS. When a person watches series late into the night, they find it hard to fall asleep. This is due to both the excitement from the plot and the blue light from the screen. For example, a special study conducted in 2022 proved that prolonged binge-watching can lead to insomnia. This negatively affects a person’s physical condition and their nervous system.
SOCIAL ISOLATION. Sometimes it seems that series replace live communication. Some become so immersed in the plot and empathize with the characters that after finishing a series, they start to feel emotional emptiness.
SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE. Another problem. When watching series, people usually sit or lie down. As scientists note, such "passive sitting" in front of the TV screen increases the risk of obesity and other diseases related to a sedentary lifestyle.
Set Reasonable Limits
Of course, no one is calling for people to completely give up watching series. This is probably impossible. However, it is important to maintain a healthy balance.
In this regard, Professor Oleg Shvets offers several tips that we hope will be useful for many.
Control Your Time. It can be difficult to stop during an intriguing series. Therefore, decide in advance how many episodes you will watch and when you will turn off the TV. To avoid losing track of time, set a timer.
Watch Together. Watching with family or friends is not only enjoyable but also beneficial for mental health. This way, you can share emotions, discuss the plot, and not close yourself off.
Take Breaks. After sitting for a long time in front of the screen, your brain "shuts down." At least once every few episodes, take a break: stretch, drink water, take a walk. Later, ask yourself: do you really want to continue watching the series right now?
Don’t Disrupt Your Sleep Mode. It’s better not to look at screens at least an hour before sleep. After all, phones, laptops, tablets, and TVs with their blue light can hinder falling asleep quickly.
Be Honest with Yourself. If you find it hard to fall asleep after watching or feel like you’ve wasted time, perhaps series have become a way to escape from real tasks. In that case, it’s better to choose something lighter and more positive.
Leave a comment