*This post is a collaboration with TV Licensing (a trademark of the BBC), but all thoughts and experiences are my own.
At the end of each day, there’s a time my partner and I both cherish. We make a cup of tea, grab some snacks—usually a mix of sweet and salty—and settle on the sofa to watch TV together. Our cat, who seems to have a radar for when this routine starts, hops up to claim their spot between us. These moments aren’t relaxing; they’ve become an important part of how we wind down and reconnect.
Right now, we’re completely hooked on The Traitors. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching a show where you can try to guess who’s lying and debate what’s going to happen next. We’ll pause it to discuss theories or laugh about how dramatic the reveals can get. It’s not about the show itself—it’s about how this time helps us step away from the stress of the day and focus on something fun together.
Why Watching TV Helps Us Destress
Watching TV or a good film might not seem like the most glamorous form of self-care, but it’s surprisingly effective. After a long day of work and everything else life throws at us, it’s such a relief to sit down, turn off the mental to-do list, and get lost in a story. Whether it’s a drama, a mystery, or a light-hearted comedy, it’s an easy way to shift focus from whatever has been weighing on our minds.
For me and my partner, it’s not about relaxing individually—it’s about having time together. Watching TV gives us something to share and talk about, which is especially valuable when we’re both busy. We often find ourselves laughing at the same jokes or pausing to talk about a twist in the story. These little interactions remind me how important it is to have simple, consistent ways to connect.
Even the routine itself is calming. Tea in hand, snacks nearby, and our cat dozing next to us—it’s predictable in the best way. And while it’s easy to underestimate routines, they do help create a sense of stability, even when life feels chaotic.
Sunday Family Movie Night
In addition to our nightly TV time, we’ve started a tradition we love: Sunday Family Movie Night. It’s a chance to take a break from the usual rush and start the week off in a relaxing way. Each week, we take turns picking a film to watch on TV. The rules are pretty flexible—some weeks it’s a classic we both love, like Back to the Future or The Lion King, while other times we’ll choose something new that neither of us has seen.
The preparation for movie night has become as important as the movie itself. We make sure we’ve got snacks sorted—popcorn is a must—and pick the comfiest spot on the sofa. Our cat always seems to sense the excitement and settles in for the evening.
What’s great about this tradition is how simple it is to do and how much it means to us. We’ll talk about the movie afterwards, laughing about our favourite parts or comparing it to previous picks. Sometimes, the choice is a hit; other times, not so much. But even when the movie isn’t amazing, the time together always is.
Why TV and Films Are Underrated for Self-Care
There’s often this idea that watching TV or films on TV is “lazy” or not productive enough to count as self-care. But honestly, it’s one of the best ways we’ve found to recharge. It’s low-effort, accessible, and doesn’t need any preparation beyond deciding what to watch.
Studies have shown that watching TV can actually help reduce stress, especially when it’s something you genuinely enjoy. It’s a great way to take your mind off the demands of the day and focus on something entertaining instead. For me and my partner, it’s also about connection. Sharing a laugh, reacting to plot twists together, and even having a small debate about whether a character made the right choice—all these things strengthen our bond.
Of course, like anything, balance is important. But when it’s part of a larger routine that includes other forms of self-care, watching TV becomes more than a way to pass the time. It’s a way to unwind, recharge, and spend quality time with the people who matter most.
Simple Moments That Make a Big Difference
Our nightly TV ritual and Sunday Family Movie Night might not sound groundbreaking, but they’ve become some of the most meaningful parts of our week. These moments remind us to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and take a break from the stress of everyday life.
Whether it’s watching a gripping show like The Traitors or taking turns picking films on TV, the key is the time we spend together. It’s a tradition that’s easy to maintain and brings us closer, one episode or movie at a time.
So, if you’re looking for a simple way to unwind, grab a cup of tea, pick a show or film you love, and settle in. You might find, like we have, that these little moments are the best kind of self-care.
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 ondemand
- 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.