I have something to confess. After a long day of working, thinking, and overthinking, I love nothing more than diving into a good series. Yes, I’m talking about binge-watching—the habit that countless productivity gurus warn you against. But for an overthinker and ruminator like me, it’s become surprisingly therapeutic. Here’s why.

A much-needed escape

My mind tends to race—a lot. If rumination was an Olympic sport, I’d have a cabinet full of gold medals. Binge-watching a quality series provides a vital break from my internal chatter. Instead of obsessing over every detail of my day or worrying about the future, I get pulled into the lives and dramas of fictional characters.

I always pick shows carefully—ones with excellent writing, compelling plots, and actors who make the story feel alive. It’s not just escapism; it’s immersive storytelling. Shows like Severance, Unforgotten, or Ted Lasso transport me far away from my own anxieties, at least for a little while.

The act of stepping into someone else’s story, even temporarily, shifts my emotional energy away from self-generated stress and anxiety. I often find myself reflecting later about how certain characters overcame their struggles or grew through their experiences, subtly reassuring me that challenges can be managed—even if they’re fictional.

Mindful in the moment (sort of)

Ironically, binge-watching has taught me a twisted version of mindfulness. When engrossed in a gripping narrative, I’m completely present in the unfolding story. My mind isn’t wandering to that awkward thing I said in a meeting three days ago or panicking about next month’s to-do list. For someone prone to anxious thinking, this type of mindful distraction can be incredibly calming.

I realize mindfulness teachers probably wouldn’t endorse this particular technique, but hey—sometimes you have to find peace wherever you can get it, even if it’s in the latest Netflix drama. The ability to lose myself in another world momentarily is something genuinely calming, creating a quiet zone amidst the noise of my incessant thoughts.

Screen time: The not-so-scary truth

Of course, binge-watching isn’t without its flaws. The dreaded “screen time” is one of the biggest criticisms, and yes, staring at screens for extended periods isn’t ideal. I do set boundaries—especially around bedtime. I make sure to have screen-free time before sleep to ensure that my binge sessions don’t disrupt my sleep patterns.

I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring this rule leads to restless nights. A few times, a particularly thrilling episode kept my adrenaline running a bit too long, and sleep was hard to come by. Now, I try to finish my viewing with ample time to unwind away from the blue glow. The real trick here is moderation and awareness. Enjoying a couple of episodes (or five, who’s counting?) occasionally won’t ruin your life. As with many things, it’s about balance.

Another consideration is eye strain. Screens emit blue light, which can disrupt your circadian rhythm and even cause headaches. To mitigate this, I adjust my device’s settings to warmer tones in the evening, use blue-light-blocking glasses, and ensure good lighting in my viewing area. Additionally, taking short breaks between episodes to stretch, grab some water, or simply shift my eyes to something further away helps maintain comfort. These small adjustments significantly reduce the physical downsides of prolonged screen viewing, allowing me to enjoy my binge sessions without guilt or discomfort.

The reader’s paradox

Interestingly, binge-watching isn’t all that different from binge-reading—a habit I’ve had since childhood. Just like a gripping novel, an engrossing TV series creates a powerful narrative flow. Both activities require me to slow down, focus, and immerse myself fully in another world.

No one seems too worried about my obsessive reading habits, so why the concern over my binge-watching? Both provide the same crucial benefit—taking my overly busy mind on a much-needed vacation.

There’s a social bias against screen-based entertainment that doesn’t apply to books. Perhaps it’s because we equate television with passivity and reading with intellectual engagement. Yet, I’ve found both equally valuable in managing stress and creating mental space. Good storytelling is good storytelling, regardless of medium.

The connection factor

Another underrated aspect of binge-watching is the social connection it can foster. Engaging with popular shows gives me common ground to discuss with friends and family. There’s something oddly satisfying about dissecting plot twists, debating character motivations, and exchanging theories about upcoming episodes.

These conversations are genuinely bonding experiences, helping me feel connected even during busy periods when socializing might otherwise be neglected. Sharing the excitement or disappointment of a season finale creates a sense of community—a modern-day campfire experience that strengthens friendships and family bonds.

Know thyself (and own your habits)

At the end of the day, this is about understanding yourself. We’re all individuals with unique emotional needs, stress responses, and coping mechanisms. Binge-watching has earned a bad reputation mostly because we fear the idea of passive relaxation or doing something “unproductive.”

But for me—and perhaps for you—there’s genuine value in occasionally surrendering to a captivating storyline. It refreshes me, resets my emotional state, and allows my perpetually whirring brain to hit pause.

Understanding this about myself has been freeing. Instead of feeling guilty, I’ve learned to embrace binge-watching as a legitimate tool in my personal wellness toolkit. It’s about intentionality and knowing when to lean into what truly helps you decompress.

So, the next time someone tries to guilt-trip you for your binge-watching habit, remember it can be more than mindless entertainment—it might just be your best form of self-care yet.