How Cartoons Serve as a Coping Mechanism for Stress – Pepperdine University, California

How Cartoons Serve as a Coping Mechanism for Stress – Pepperdine University, California

You must agree that these times are truly stressful, especially with the multifaceted problems we seem to face daily. While it’s common knowledge that watching movies is a great way to de-stress, you should also consider adding cartoons to your watchlist. Research has shown that watching cartoons can serve as a coping mechanism to help fight stress for the following reasons.

Watching Cartoons Release Endorphins

Apart from cartoons being a fun form of television, full of interesting characters and silly storytelling, one can’t help but get lost in the wackiness and burst out laughing at a funny moment. Watching  cartoons, especially those made for kids, releases endorphins, also known as "feel-good" chemicals that the body produces. They’re released from the brain and sent throughout the nervous system to help relieve pain and reduce stress. After releasing endorphins, the brain also releases dopamine, another “feel-good” chemical. SpongeBob SquarePants, airing every weekday at 7:00 p.m on Nickelodeon (Ch. 86) on GOtv is a good example.

Cartoons Can Act as a Coping Mechanism

During periods of anxiety or depression, watching a light-hearted kids' cartoon is a great way to cope with negative feelings. This is because kids' cartoons generally depict themes of teamwork and friendship and show how good always overcome evil. Watching kids' cartoons can help viewers not only escape into the cheerfulness of the show but also revisit the simpler days of their childhood. Cartoons such as Powerpuff Girls, airing every weekday at 11:40 a.m. on Cartoon Network (Ch. 89), and Mulan: Princess Warrior, showing at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, 15th September on Cine Magic (Ch. 58) on GOtv, are perfect examples.

Cartoons Are a Source of Nostalgia

Watching a cartoon can trigger memories associated with it, allowing viewers to re-experience those positive emotions and uplift their mood. Tapping into nostalgia also helps increase levels of self-esteem. When the mind revisits memories and positive emotions from the past, people re-experience the joy they once felt, empowering them. One such cartoon is Kung Fu Panda, airing at 1.00 pm on Sunday, 15th September on Mnet Movie 3 (ch 53) on GOtv.

Turning to kids' cartoons as a source of stress relief should be normalized. People can improve their health and mental well-being while enjoying a fun, light-hearted show for leisure.

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