GUEST COLUMN: How Movies Can Help You Become More Productive

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/gZB-i-dA6ns

How Movies Can Help You Become More Productive

by Devin Caldwell

From comedy to horror and everything in between, there are millions of movies available for people to watch. Typically, people only consider movies a source of entertainment, but what they might not realize is that the psychology of movies goes far beyond that. In fact, research suggests that watching movies has psychological and even physiological benefits.

You May Be More Productive in Relationships

One of the reasons that movies are so popular is because the characters, settings, and stories are meant to help you relate to them. If you feel like you relate to a character's personality or situation, you are more likely to be emotionally invested in them. Some studies, including one conducted at Oklahoma University, indicate that watching fictional emotions helps people learn how to process their own emotions more easily. This leads to people who are more empathetic about other people, which can lead to better communication among friends, partners, family members, and even co-workers. 

You May Get Motivated To Get in Shape

There are hundreds of "underdog makes it to the top" movies out there. Perhaps one of the most popular montages of all time is Rocky Balboa's training montage. When you see other people, even fictional people, getting up and taking control of their physical health, you are more likely to want to do it yourself. This could mean working out more often, taking vitamins or using something like a Thrive patch to get nutrients, or learning how to eat healthier. In fact, you can even do some of these things while you watch a movie. Hop on a treadmill or grab your favorite salad to snack on during your movie.

You May Feel a Boost in Your Mood

If you're having a down day, watching a comedy or one of your favorite movies of any genre may help to boost your mood. In fact, one study in 2016 showed that it even helped to boost moods for people who live with depression or generalized anxiety disorder. This is because watching something that you already know you love (a comfort movie) or something new and funny can help to release more serotonin and dopamine into the brain, creating the "feel good" chemicals that leave you feeling less sad or anxious. When your mood is improved, it may even improve your ability to be productive in other ways.

You May Boost Your Immune System

Horror movie lovers, take note: you could be improving your immune system just by watching something scary! Researchers who conducted studies of people who love scary movies find that watching them can lead to an increase in white blood cells, which helps your body do everything from fighting off disease to healing from an injury more quickly. A boost in your immune system often means fewer sick days, which means you spend more of your time with the ability to go out and do something productive. 

You May Improve Your Social Awareness

When you watch movies about social topics such as The Hate U Give (2018) or any of the wide range of documentaries that are available, you learn more about other cultures, viewpoints, and more. Social commentaries about issues around the world can help you to learn more about the world around you. This can translate into being more productive because it may lead you to become involved in local organizations or other efforts to bring awareness to an issue. 

You May Create a Bonding Experience

Watching movies alone is fun enough, but there's nothing quite like watching one with family, a partner, or a group of friends. Plan movie dates with the people in your life as a productive and proactive way to spend more time with them. Make snacks, grab some comfortable pillows and blankets, and take turns picking the movies. Watch one every week or two or make an entire day of it and have a movie marathon that helps you reconnect with the people you love.

Whether you prefer to laugh or to get scared, like sappy romantic movies or want to watch all the latest documentaries, one thing is certain: Watching movies is an excellent way to help you become more productive in many aspects of your life.