She Strengthens

Finding Comfort in Familiarity

As the world outside seems to spiral out of control, many of us are seeking solace in the familiar. For me, it started with TV shows. I began watching “Schitt’s Creek” in February, but as the pandemic spread and stay-at-home orders took effect, my viewing habits changed dramatically. Suddenly, I was binge-watching every day, desperate for a mental escape from the constant stream of COVID-19 news.

The Predictability Paradox

But here’s the thing: I never went back to “Schitt’s Creek.” Instead, I found myself gravitating towards old favorites, like “Killing Eve.” It wasn’t that I didn’t want to try new things; it was just that getting to know new characters felt like too much effort when I couldn’t even see my friends in person. According to therapist Katie Lear, this craving for predictability is a natural response to uncertainty. “We’re dealing with so many unknowns right now,” she says. “Watching a familiar TV show or movie, or reading a familiar book, can provide us with a sense of comfort and safety.”

Rewatching as Self-Care

I’m not alone in my love for rewatching old favorites. Alaina, a communications manager from Massachusetts, has been revisiting comfort media like “Gilmore Girls” and Disney movies from her childhood. For her, it’s about feeling like she’s returning to a simpler time. “It feels like being home,” she says. Kaitlin, a writer from New York, is also a fan of rewatching “Gilmore Girls.” She finds that it helps her relax and focus, especially when her mind is racing with anxiety.

The Energy of Uncertainty

So why is it so hard to start something new right now? According to Lear, it’s because watching new things takes a lot of energy – energy that we may not have when we’re already coping with so much uncertainty. Our attention spans are shorter when we’re experiencing trauma or anxiety, making it harder to invest in new characters and storylines. Plus, with decision fatigue setting in, choosing a new show can feel overwhelming.

Automated Decisions and Hope

That’s why old favorites are like our “automated decisions” – they don’t require us to summon extra energy to process. They’re our comfort blankets, our black turtlenecks of the pandemic. Ravynn, a PhD candidate from Virginia, has returned to her old favorite “Smallville” because it takes her to her happy place. For her, it’s about aligning herself with hope, even if it’s just through a fictional character.

Embracing the Familiar

So if you’re sticking to the same shows, books, and movies, don’t worry – you’re not alone. It’s okay to seek comfort in the familiar right now. As Lear says, “We rely on routines in our lives to add shape and structure to our days.” By embracing the familiar, we can find some sense of control and predictability in these uncertain times. And who knows? You might just discover a new side of yourself in the process.