6 Binge-Worthy Distractions Shows to Tame Your Anxiety
As we approach a new calendar month, still battling COVID-19, anxieties are on the rise. I, for one, have difficulty controlling my thoughts when anxiety hits, and, as a result, turn to television to set my mind at ease. In times like these, I want to consume the lightest possible fare: shows that never get too dark, keep you invested in small, unimportant things, and that only allow me to think about when the next episode will load...Oh, look, it has!
Here are six shows that I tend to turn to in troubled times, such as these. I hope that they can serve as an entertaining distraction and comfort for you as well.
Whose Line Is It Anyway (CW Seed)
Starring the hilarious Wayne, Colin, Ryan, and Drew, this series of half-hour improv shows is just as funny as when it first aired. Classic games like Party Quirks, News Flash, and Scenes from a Hat provide an abundance of laughs that you’ll never want to end. You can see every episode for free on the CW Seed app.
Supermarket Sweep (Amazon Prime)
Remember when swiping everything you could off the grocery store shelves was considered so crazy that it was a game show? How times have changed... Part trivia, part scavenger hunt, and all sweaters, Supermarket Sweep is guaranteed to simultaneously comfort you and get you screaming “Alpo is in the pet aisle!” The entire first season of this bizarrely addictive throwback is currently on Amazon Prime.
Dance Moms (Lifetime App)
Nothing can be wrong in the world if your whole world is a dance competition. Watch moms have trifling arguments that occasionally escalate to petty assault, pick a side in the battle of Maddie vs. Chloe, and watch some pretty amazing dancing. Prepare to get obsessed. It's inevitable. Every season of Dance Moms is available to stream on the Lifetime app.
Boy Meets World (Disney+)
If the last time you saw this series was when it aired on TGIF, you probably don't remember how genuinely funny it is. Laugh your head off at Cory and Shawn, become completely invested in Cory and Topanga's relationship, and get sage words of wisdom from everyone's favorite teacher, Mr. Feeny. Catch the entire series (and it's pretty decent sequel series, Girl Meets World) on Disney+.
Monty Python's Flying Circus (Netflix)
This beloved sketch comedy program is too silly, and it's humor too quick, for you to slip into that sinkhole of despair. Catch silly walks, lumberjacks, and spam, all for your enjoyment on Netflix.
The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)
This is probably the ultimate distraction show for these times. It's one of the only reality competition series that has a truly feel-good vibe. The hosts are endearing, the contestants are memorable, and watching the progression of bakes from raw ingredients to (mostly) beautiful, albeit edible, masterpieces is it's own special kind of good feeling. Added bonus the recipes and baking skills these bakers show off are probably a good thing to be picking up right about now...
What have you been doing to lessen your anxiety during quarantine? What are your favorite distraction or bingeable shows? Let us know in the comments below, and remember to stay safe out (or, rather, in) there!
Copyright © 2020 Bailey Lizotte
