#7027

We've all heard about the term of binge watching; we've all kind of done it.

Binge watching refers to the act of watching multiple seasons of a show in rapid succession.

Even though it is enjoyable, this rather new-to-studies-topic does have it's downsides on mental health.

The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that people with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression are the same people that report to have a higher binge watching frequency.

This has been backed up by the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, which claimed that binge watching has had a positive effect on depression-like symptoms, especially loneliness.

Also the fact that the emitted blue light by screens can confuse someones sleep pattern reinforces the statement of a close connection between depression and binge watching.

For me, the most accurate findings from studies about binge watching are escapism and avoidance. Do I need to elaborate why?

The ease of escaping into another world when there's anxiety, stress, sadness or anger in yours is so intriguing that you basically have no choice. Why would you choose to feel pain when instead, you can turn on your laptop and just watch a show about a few happy or busy or successful or pretty or social or have-it-all-figured-out-people?

Obviously binge watching has more bad sides than good. That is not to say one should stop completely. Binge watching or streaming in general gives your head some rest, some entertainment and pleasant education.

But the break your brain gets from streaming might just be the point. Somehow, and most of the time in the most subtle way, your brain gets used to being kept numb and busy. I've seen people in the gym watching Netflix, people waiting for the train, people with their families.

From afar it's easy to see how harmful this behavior is but at the same time, i open up my laptop at night and keep new girl or modern family or whatever running all night.

Ever wondered why you’re happier on vacation? Sure, it's about new people and new places, but I'm convinced it is because you find healthy coping mechanisms instead of escapism.

When I was in morocco I barely ever used my phone, needless to say netflix etc. rendered itself useless. I got a good nights sleep and was forced to do other things than streaming to take my mind off my little demons. I even started cooking (ME!), I enjoyed other things and didn't even miss my phone or laptop for a second.

Anyway, I'm not saying stop being on your phone and touch some grass but... stop being on your phone and touch some grass.

Also, closing the laptop now to not be a damn hypocrite.

Anybody know if there's some grass on the train?

Now well over a Light Year tall, Lucario finds that the tiny nebula of NGC 7027 is a perfect target for his first real Aura Sphere! He's been saving it just for this sort of occasion, and boy is that tiny .1 x .2 light year cloud of dust in for a blast!

This Inktober is Interactive! Like, Retweet, or Vote in the poll to help Lucario grow bigger and determine what he'll do next!