K-Dramas are addictive! They have become a part of my daily routine. For those who think they are just about cross-border love stories or showing warmth through food, let me be clear; it’s more than that. There are countless reasons for me to fawn over these emotionally resonant dramas, the way it helps me deal with my anxiety being the prime one. Some addictions are good for health as it takes away the pain and helps me to keep my anxiety at bay. They are an emotional roller-coaster, a mood I want to live in forever. Despite being lighthearted rom-coms, they are mindful and delve deeper into serious issues like mental health and anxiety. And binge-watching them on a daily basis treats me in ways more than I could ever imagine.
1. They take my mind off the fear and anxiety
Image Source: It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, Studio Dragon
The lighthearted rom-coms transport me to a different world of emotions. Their unique style of storytelling keeps my brain active. It just doesn’t let me think of anything else but the story, the characters or the songs. So much so that even when I am not watching them they are on my mind, and I remember them from scene to scene. At times, I even imagine myself being in the scene. It helps me escape from the fears and nervousness that grip me.
2. They comfort me
Image Credit: iStock
Several reports suggest that feel-good K-dramas actually trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine in our bodies, which are chemicals known to produce happiness and a good mood. And being a K-drama addict myself, I don’t deny it a bit. Even if I am having a bad day at work or otherwise, I can always rely on them to be my instant mood lifter. The characters are great company and they make me feel better. Filled with genuine laughs and emotions, they are like a big, warm, squishy hug just when you need it the most. They never disappoint and are the much-needed escapism for me.
3. They make me feel a part of them
Image Source: It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, Studio Dragon
Apart from the heart-thumping romances and soaring background scores, it’s the warmth and bonding the characters share, and that is heart-warming. They are so real and seamless that they actually make me feel to be just one among them. The well-crafted storylines showcase a range of emotions and similar feelings that even the viewers may be experiencing. In fact, at times they even make me cry a river out of joy and pain. There’s so much I learn about relationships, and people, in general, that makes me believe there’s a better world out there.
4. They teach me how it’s okay to not be okay
Image Source: It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, Studio Dragon
K-dramas have been trying hard to normalize discussions about mental health by delicately weaving serious issues like depression, personality disorder, autism, and dissociative identity disorder into the main plots, and that’s exactly what makes them so unique, special, and relatable to the viewers. Conversations around mental health are still taboo, and watching them only helps raise awareness.
Lead Image Credits: iStock
