This post is a collaboration with TV Licensing (a trademark of the BBC), but all thoughts and experiences are my own.
Like most people, I have always found it relaxing to watch comfort shows and films on TV. I love getting fully absorbed in a TV programme or movie and losing myself in someone else’s story for an hour or two. But we often underestimate the value of this simple escapism and so, inspired by the BBC’s Rest and Connect campaign, I wanted to share how TV shows and films help me wind down after a busy day and form part of my self-care toolkit.
Setting The Scene
Picture this: It’s shortly before 9pm, I have finally closed my laptop after what was supposed to be an 8-hour workday stretched into 12 hours. My shoulders ache, my eyes are dry, and my brain is still churning through tomorrow’s to-do list.
Then, the familiar theme tune of Celebrity Big Brother fills my living room, and something magical happens. My breathing slows. The mental spreadsheets and email responses dissolve. For the next hour, I’m not a worker bee; I’m just me, curled up on the sofa with my dinner and a cup of tea, completely absorbed in the delicious drama unfolding before me on the TV screen.
This is the boundary ritual that has significantly helped my wellbeing since I’ve been working from home. When your office is just steps from your sofa, finding that clear line between work and rest becomes both challenging and essential. For me, that line is drawn in the glow of my television screen, and it’s become the most unexpectedly powerful tool in my self-care arsenal.
The Work-Life Balance Challenge
For much of my life, my workplaces have been away from my home, creating a natural separation between work time and downtime. Although the line blurred slightly when I had a work mobile phone or occasionally worked from home, I generally maintained a healthy balance.
In recent years, however, I’ve worked from home full-time in various roles. While this eliminated commuting stress and reduced travel costs, it severely impacted my work-life balance. As someone who constantly strives to excel, I found it all too easy to work endlessly when my office was my home.
It took me a long time to realise that being a good employee doesn’t mean working ridiculously long hours or putting myself under unnecessary pressure. Even now, I struggle with this concept daily, but I recognise that being kinder to myself is essential self-care.
Creating Boundaries Through Routine
These days, I’m making a conscious effort to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time, knowing how vital it is for my wellbeing.
I feel significantly better with a regular schedule – rising at a consistent time, working similar hours and following a regular evening routine. As a natural night owl, it’s temptingly easy to keep working into the early hours. Even writing this article, I’ve gone three hours past my intended stop time! Old habits certainly die hard, but I’m working on them.
My Self-Care Strategy: Scheduled TV Time
What works remarkably well for me is having a compelling reason to stop working. Having a TV show to look forward to is the perfect solution.
My routine now includes:
- Shutting my laptop at a designated time
- Doing a few quick chores
- Preparing dinner
- Sitting down for scheduled TV time while I eat and unwind
This simple ritual has become a crucial part of my daily self-care practice.
Finding Your Perfect Wind-Down Shows
As a huge reality TV fan (and I mean ‘reality’ in the traditional sense – people-watching rather than the fabricated drama of TOWIE or Made In Chelsea), I love shows like Celebrity Big Brother. People’s behaviour fascinates me, and watching these programmes helps me relax at day’s end. The 9pm live broadcast creates the perfect pre-bedtime routine.
The Traitors is another favourite. I watch it live on BBC1, followed by The Traitors: Uncloaked. Though technically a game show, its psychological elements make it perfectly suited to my interests.
Being a sports fan, I enjoyed the snooker World Championship coverage recently, and I usually watched the later coverage via BBC iPlayer – a service I couldn’t manage without! I was rooting for Ronnie O’Sullivan but as he went out in the semi-final I am already looking forward to cheering him on again next year.
Making Self-Care Work For You
Watching TV for self-care can work for anyone; the key is finding programmes that help you relax. While I gravitate toward reality TV and sports, you might prefer nature documentaries like Planet Earth III or weekend favourites like Sunday Brunch.
There’s something deeply relaxing about losing yourself in television for a while. It provides a valuable opportunity to be absorbed by what’s on screen rather than your own worries – a genuine form of self-care in our hyper-connected world.
By establishing a regular routine and giving yourself permission to truly rest, you’re investing in both immediate and long-term wellbeing. In today’s always-on environment, creating these intentional breaks might be the most important self-care practice of all.
What does self-care look like for you? Which TV shows help you transition from work mode to relaxation? Let’s chat in the comments – but no spoilers, please!
Your TV Licence lets you enjoy a huge range of live TV. It covers you for:
- All TV channels, like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Dave and international channels – but you don’t need a licence if you only watch non-BBC channels on-demand
- Pay TV services, like Sky, Virgin Media and BT – but these are platforms that could have both live and on-demand services
- Live TV on streaming services, like YouTube and Amazon Prime Video
- Everything on BBC iPlayer
This includes recording and downloading. On any device.
I’m obsessed with The Traitors! Have you watched any of the non UK versions? I’ve watched the US one, I was sceptical but actually it’s ok, just different. A lot more fake drama unsurprisingly but still fun and interesting.
I hate to admit it but Eastenders is my guilty pleasure and I watch it on demand rather than live because like you said it is nice to have something to look forward to after work to help me relax and unwind. I also like Gavin and Stacey, I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (mainly because of James Corden 🫣) but it’s such a sweet storyline and is really funny despite him. I have to say he is less annoying in that than he is generally! The other show I am into at the moment is Ten Pound Poms but it really annoys me that there are only 6 episodes per series, it’s not enough!
I had no idea you were a sports fan and snooker of all things! It’s a sport I enjoy too, that and the rugby of course. I was gutted Ronnie didn’t make it to the final but Zhao was the deserving winner, wow what a champion!
I’m also looking forward to the summer of tennis with Queen’s and Wimbledon coming up soon. I work from home so will no doubt have the matches on in the background while I plough through my emails.
I also didn’t realise there were films on BBC iPlayer until about a month ago so I’ve been watching a few on there in the evenings.
I’d never really thought about how tv is good for wellbeing but it makes sense now!
I definitely agree that TV and films are good for wellbeing, provided we watch the right thing. Some shows can be upsetting and/or triggering so they’re not helpful. But a comedy or something lighthearted is definitely good for the soul.
I have always had TV shows that help me disconnect from real life and they have helped me take time out from stressful situations. Some shows give me pause for thought and even help me solve some of the problems I face. For example, scenarios in dramas can be similar to real life (The Split was one that hit home for me – a brilliant series with an awesome cast, plus the storylines were great and some were very close to my own situation) and they can help us see situations from different perspectives. My favourite shows are almost always BBC ones but there’s some good stuff on Channel 4 too.
Actually didn’t realise a TV licence was needed for watching all live TV, thanks for the info.
Interesting points made in this post too, and like others have said it largely depends on what you watch as to whether it’s helpful to your wellbeing etc. I doubt a documentary on a mass murderer is good for the soul!
Self care for me is a relaxing bath with candles and lots of bubbles! I recently started watching films on my iPad during my baths, I don’t manage a whole film but usually get through around half while in the bath and then the rest of it while I dry off and get ready for bed. I find it so relaxing and calming. Sometimes I might watch a tv show instead but it needs to be something nice like This Is Us or Parks and Recreation, not anything heavy or distressing.
I love anything that helps me switch off from my real life stresses, so no news, nothing upsetting, basically I just want to watch something lighthearted and absorbing. Like you said, The Traitors is a good one for that, although sometimes I do find it quite stressful but that’s just me being a highly strung person!
I have become a massive wellbeing advocate since the pandemic and self care is a huge part of keeping yourself balanced and calm. However you practise self care is up to each individual but for me nothing beats a good meditation session.
I am the type of person who gets super stressed and overwhelmed very easily so self care is super important to me in order to maintain my stress levels and keep me on a relatively even keel. I go to yoga classes and also practice at home sometimes, although the routine of going to classes works best for me. Even if your not very flexible, yoga is great as it is so calming and soothing.
My friend and I went to evening classes to learn massage and now we give each other therapeutic massages every Thursday evening. Probably sounds a bit dodgy but it’s really not, it’s super relaxing and lovely knowing the person doing the massage is completely trustworthy and not going to try any funny business!
I like playing board games to relax. I am not super competitive but enjoy game playing and joining in with others so this is the ideal way for me to wind down. Lucky for me my partner loves games too so we spend many hours at the kitchen table playing Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Tapple and so on. Hoping to get some new games to try this Christmas.
Funny to think that ‘wellbeing’ is a phrase we would never of used just a few years ago but now it is a real buzz word. In a good way of course. I think we are all now much more aware of the importance of taking proper care off ourselves. The problem is finding time to do that in our busy modern lives.
I watch a lot of sport and find this a good way to wind down. My brother lives in Australia and we try to get together on a video call to watch certain matches together, although sometimes the logistics are impossible. Your post has definitely given me food for thought about other ways to relax and unwind.
Like others have said, our ‘wellbeing’ seems to be a real focus point lately, I think it’s good but sometimes it can be made too much of. It’s all very well being concerned with our wellbeing but when employers or governments etc don’t have the provisions in place to handle these issues it is all very pointless and frustrating. So we need to have better infrastructure whereby we can all take better care of ourselves and one another.
My daughter and I have a monthly pamper session to keep on top of our self care. We try to go to a salon but when that is not possible we can do treatments etc at home. We wash each other’s hair and do massages etc. It is such a nice bonding experience and of course very relaxing.
I have been a fan of Corrie for as long as I can remember, I grew up watching it with my mum and we never miss an episode. So while it is relaxing and helps me take my mind off my worries, it can feel abit stressful sometimes to keep up to date and be sure not to miss it. It is definitely much easier now with catch up tv and the apps of course.
Interesting post. I think self care for men looks very different to self care for women. Men like to zone out with sport, whether on the tv, watching a match/game in person or even playing the sport themselves. Women like to talk and share their feelings. We can probably learn a lot from each other’s way of doing things.
I have been off work sick for a while now and my doctor has recommended I find some ways to improve my ‘self care’. I thought that meant resting, keeping myself clean, warm and fed for example but now I realise it is much more than that. I am not really in touch with my feelings so I am starting with a therapist next week and although I am quite nervous about it I hope they will be able to help me understand myself better and be kinder to myself.
I go to the gym for my self-care time. I like working out and doing weights. It not only is good for my physical health but also my mental health. I usually train with a couple of mates and we have a chat in the steam room afterwards. We share our troubles and try to help each other so it can be very rewarding and helpful. It’s much better than going to the pub and drinking, which is what my father’s generation would of done. So I recommend this to any men wondering how to practise self-care for themselves.
I know it’s not so popular with men (yet) but yoga is a brilliant way to wind down and get in touch with yourself. I have been going to classes for a few months now and it has made such a positive difference to my life. I even practice yoga at home, something I would of never imagined myself doing but I am so glad I gave it a try. They should do it in schools so our kids grow up with yoga as a norm as it will definitely help them in adulthood too.
When I was a kid my parents used to have such a go at me for watching tv but it was the best way for me to switch my mind off and get absorbed in something to de-stress. I wasn’t allowed to watch it when I got home from school, I had to do my homework straight away and then we’d have dinner, and by the time all that was done my dad was sat in front of the tv so I would not be able to choose what was on. I was never allowed a tv in my room so I used to sneak downstairs to watch things once my parents were asleep in bed. That didn’t do me much good overall as I was always tired but I needed to get my telly fix! I was so relieved when I could finally move out and get my own place – and own tv to watch what I wanted at a reasonable hour!
Funny how times have changed, when I was at school the hot topic every morning was always whatever popular programme had been on the telly the night before. Nowadays, it’s the latest video on TikTok or YouTube! Either way it is helping us to connect with each other so can’t be a bad thing.
Before the pandemic I used to go for a massage once a fortnight to relax and unwind. Obviously during lockdown etc I wasn’t able to go and I got out of the habit of it and never got back into it once things returned to normal. But reading your post has inspired me to try again and I have just booked my first session in years for next week – I can’t wait!
I go out running with a former work colleague, we try to go at least once a week and it’s easier now we no longer work together as there aren’t any office politics to contend with anymore. We have a regular running route we use but also try a new one every 1-2 months. We try to support each other with any issues we may be experiencing and give advice where we can. My wife says it has made me a much happier husband so she is keen for me to keep it up.
I love watching telly, like most others it has always been a comfort to me to be able to unwind with my favourite programme or lose myself in a good film. I even watch things while I am prepping meals or doing the housework, it is such a good distraction while doing mundane tasks especially now we can watch on our devices instead of needing to have an actual tv and aerial connection. Currently loving I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and Strictly of course!
My nan and grandad watch Question Time every week religiously. When I see them on a Friday we always discuss whatever topics were debated on the show and how the politicians responded to the questions. I have never really analysed it until now but you have made me realise we are connecting through the show and it helps us strengthen our connection and feel close to each other. Tv is pretty amazing isn’t it?
Match of The Day used to be a must-watch in our house but in recent years I have lost interest in football generally, there is too much diving and fakery. Instead of it being about skill on the ball, it is now about who is the best actor to get a fake foul. It has become fake-dramatic and sensationalist like so many things on tv nowadays! So instead of it helping me relax it made me even more stressed so I stopped watching it. Now I prefer rugby or snooker, which my brother is happy about as he is a big rugby fan so we try to watch the matches together at one of our houses when we can. It can still be stressful but at least it helps us forget our troubles for a while.
I have been giving mindfulness a go for the past two weeks and I am really getting into it now. I find it very helpful for self care and to keep myself calm and grounded. There are so many helpful resources online that it is really easy to get started without needing any kind of course or group (and therefore no cost, thank goodness!). I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a way to practice self care and get in touch with themselves more.
Did you watch Celebrity Traitors? Omg it was SO good! Wednesdays and Thursdays couldn’t come quick enough, and I loved the Uncloaked show on BBC2 as well. It really helped me switch off to my life’s woes while watching the shows and it was the only thing talked about during ‘water cooler moments’ at work the next day. Can’t wait for the new civilian series next year!
I am a very anxious person and find it so hard to properly rest and unwind because my mind is always on the go. I have found the quiz shows are a really helpful tool for me to keep my mind busy, they don’t totally stop me worrying but if I focus and concentrate on the quiz questions I find I can quieten my anxiety fairly well. My favourite show is Impossible, I also love Pointless but I did prefer it when Richard was the sidekick rather than his numerous replacements. In fact it would be better if they just had a permanent replacement instead of constantly bringing different people into the role as I find it unsettling. Still love the show though.
Might sound abit weird but I teach chess in my spare time and I find it so relaxing so it would probably count as “self-care”? It doesn’t have to be something like yoga or a massage, it is just anything that you do for you, for your own benefit. Teaching chess benefits both me and the person I’m teaching so it’s a win-win all round. Anyone who wants lessons just reply to this comment as I can do them online so doesn’t need to be in person.
Knitting is one of my favourite hobbies and it really helps me to wind down. I recently moved to a new house and joined the local knitting club where we knit and chat so it’s a perfect combination of a beloved hobby and connecting with others. I am so glad knitting is coming back into fashion lately as it is such a useful skill.
I find any calm and methodical activity to be very calming, so quiet hobbies like knitting, sewing, reading, cooking and puzzling. Even cleaning can be good too but only in short bursts so that it doesn’t become wearisome. My husband enjoys gardening to unwind so that’s another option. And we both love watching tv dramas like Trigger Point together so while our hobbies are separate we still connect over tv time.
I am a self-confessed telly addict so it’s wonderful to learn that watch tv is a way of practising self care. I thought I was just being lazy but apparently not! I suppose it makes sense though, in today’s stressful world it is important to find ways to switch off and relax instead of constantly being on the go. Nice one!
I find I feel most ‘well’ when I eat healthily, get a good night’s sleep and have a balance between work and non-work time. That’s it in principle, putting it into action can be very challenging at times. But finding what works for you is key, we are all different and even just from the comments here it’s clear that we all have varying ways of unwinding. Our differences are what makes the world go round and makes us individuals.
I am going to use this the next time my wife tells me off for watching tv, I am going to tell her it is part of my selfcare routine!!
For me, self care is about acknowledging how you are feeling and doing what you can to keep yourself as calm and settled as possible, even during times of stress or disruption. That is not always easy I know, but I take time every day, often several times a day, to check in with myself and decide if I need to do anything to increase my comfort and/or improve how I am handling things. Talking therapy can help with implementing this but there is lots of useful info online too.
Having a clean and tidy home is calming to me so keeping on top of it all is a good form of “self-care”. And of course treating myself to the latest episode of Casualty or Eastenders afterwards 😉
Another yoga fan here! Actually I quite like doing it with a quiz show on in the background, I find Mastermind is quite good for this as you can consider the questions while doing the movements. Probably sounds a bit weird to others but it works for me!
“Self-care” seems to be a cool buzzword at the moment, I’d never heard of it until earlier this year when we had a thing at work about it. Doesn’t self-care essentially just mean winding down and relaxing, plus looking after yourself properly?
After a hard day at work I love nothing more than snuggling up with a cosy blanket to watch my favourite tv show or a funny film. Currently catching up with the Celebrity Traitors (UK), it is so good!
My hair routine is my personal self care activity, although sometimes it feels like a chore. On those days I try to focus really hard on the pleasure I get from taking care of my hair, that works about 50% of the time when I am having a struggle day but occasionally I have to just give up and try again the next day. I suppose on those days the ‘self care’ part is accepting that it is ok not to do that activity and instead just to rest and try to relax.
I had an accident a few years ago and had to have physiotherapy afterwards. I still do those exercises every day and having read your post I can definitely see it is a kind of self care as I probably don’t need to do them for my physicality anymore but they are part of my routine and help me stretch my body and get ready for the day ahead. It’s my ‘me time’ each day.