Life is stressful. Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension that is the result of many factors including work, time constraints, finance, personal demands and what one may call life happening. Although it is important to stay informed, watching the news and other forms of media can also add stress to the mind and body. In the words of Whitley Marion Gilbert-Wayne played brilliantly by Jasmine Guy, sometimes you just have to relax, relate and release.
When you just want to kick back and relax, here are a few things you can watch that may help calm frayed nerves. Let’s start with an oldie but goodie, “The Golden Girls” is a classic sitcom that ran on NBC from 1985-92. You cannot be in a bad mood watching this funny, smart and charming show with the beloved stars Betty White, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty. Although the show ended 30 years ago, the humor still holds up and the ‘80s fashions and décor of Miami are nostalgic. Makes you want to go and unwind on the lanai.
HGTV—Pick your poison with this network. There’s something for just about anyone. “Love it or List It,” “Home Town” and “House Hunters” are a few suggestions. “Ugliest House in America” is also a treat. Homeowners submit their ugly, weird and/or non-functional homes with the hopes of winning a $150,000 makeover while comedian and actress Retta tours homes from each region to narrow down the finalists. Her witty banter with the homeowners is endearing and hilarious. Speaking of Retta, some of you may know her from the NBC sitcom, “Parks and Recreation,” which originally aired from 2009-15. This is also a winner if you like quirky characters, humor and heart.
With his soothing voice and calm demeanor, “The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross” is peaceful and comforting as he gently coaches the viewer while painting beautiful landscapes. Originally airing on PBS from 1983-94, Bob Ross is quite mesmerizing and has been a cult classic but definitely grew in popularity as people discovered it while quarantined.
Cooking shows like “Delicious Miss Brown” starring chef and caterer, Kardea Brown on The Food Network can also be a source of tranquility. Kardea is special –she not only cooks great food, but she educates the viewer on Gullah/Geechee culture and history as a native of Charleston, South Carolina.
When all else fails, return to your favorites. Do you love “A Different World,” “Living Single” or “Martin” because it reminds you of your carefree college days? Do the 1970s sitcoms “Soap” or “Sanford and Son,” make you giggle or laugh out loud? Those shows and others can help relieve stress. If you are stressed, you may just be one remote control away from the relief you need.