| As the holiday season unfolds, many Americans are turning to feel-good Christmas movies for comfort—and mental health experts say there’s science behind why these films make viewers feel better.
The predictable, non-stressful nature of holiday movies can improve mood and deliver comfort during what is often a hectic time of year, according to research from Fielding Graduate University. “It is, I would call, an escape from the everyday things that are going on, having to cook the meal, having 15 people come over, having to make sure that everything tastes good,” one viewer said. “When I sit down and watch a holiday movie, I don’t have to worry about all of that.” Christmas movies are designed to activate nostalgia, transporting viewers back to simpler times through familiar stories and music. “Nostalgia is that warm emotion linked with a memory,” Dr. Susan Albers, of the Cleveland Clinic, said. “It’s often described as bittersweet, a combination of feeling joy and longing for the past.” These films can boost serotonin levels in the brain, triggering feelings of happiness, Albers said. The predictability of holiday movies, which typically feature fairy-tale endings, also helps relax the brain by providing recognizable patterns. Millions of Americans are suffering from the Holiday Blues. It’s a stressful time and the lack of sunlight and cold temps don’t help. What are the best holiday movies to help beat the blues? Here’s what IMDb suggests: 1. It’s a Wonderful Life 2. Miracle on 34th Street 3. Christmas with the Kranks 4. White Christmas 5. Home Alone 6. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 7. A Christmas Carol 8. The Bells of St. Mary’s 9. The Christmas Chronicles 10. The Santa Clause IMDb: Christmas FEEL GOOD Movies – You Have To See These Films |
Lifestyle
Experts: Holiday movies offer measurable mental health benefits by providing comfort and nostalgia during stressful times
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