I admit it: I am a Wheel of Fortune junkie.
I remember when the winning contestant shopped for prizes after solving a puzzle instead of getting cash like they do now.
More often than I’d like to admit, I have yelled, “How did you not know that??!?” at my tv.
Word puzzles are my favorite type of game, but the ability to answer any Jeopardy question makes me feel like the smartest woman alive.
In the chaos of today’s world, game shows are a form of self-care for me. It’s a stress relief technique that also boosts my cognition and is a fun escape. (Feeling like I could dominate on Wheel is an added bonus.)
Why I Think Self-Care is Bullshit for Stress Relief
I have written in the past (click here and click here) about disagreeing with self-care as a stress relief technique that is sold to most via social media and Google. It is usually presented as a narrow vision of unrealistic ideas that don’t fully consider how your stress-response affects you.
You’re often told to breathe, do yoga, take a hot bath, or get a massage. While those activities are lovely and can help some, most people I talk with about their self-care tell me those things don’t work. So, they feel like they have failed, or something is wrong with them.
The problem? They are doing something that is causing them more stress and not creating the happiness hormones necessary to truly feel stress relief.
It was a revelation in my own stress management journey that what makes me feel relaxed isn’t the same for all of us. Some of my clients find more stress relief benefits from organizing something, cooking something, or volunteering – not taking a nap or getting their nails done.
Shocker, I know.
The Why and How of Game Shows as a Stress Relief Technique
Well, that was a long-winded way to explain why I’m telling you about my long-standing daily 6:30 to 7 p.m. ritual of solving word puzzles.
Now let’s understand why game shows are an excellent means of stress relief and self-care. Odd, yes, but very effective.
Game shows can boost your problem-solving skills, improve your memory and strengthen your mind. Game shows are also dopamine dispensers disguised as harmless trivia battles. Dopamine is part of your brain’s reward center and is the “feel-good chemical” produced when we do something that makes us feel good.
When you get a question right – or gen just think you could have nailed that obstacle course – it lights up your brain’s reward center. Think of it like a mini pat on the back for your nervous system.
A 2021 study (yes, we’re getting all sciencey now) found that watching game shows actually improves mental health, thanks to the interactive nature of trying to keep up with contestants who, let’s be honest, sometimes make you feel like a genius.
Other stress-busting benefits of game shows:
- They help you detach from daily stressors, challenges and worries by changing your focus.
- The anticipation, excitement, and laughter while watching can trigger positive emotions and improve overall mood.
- Watching with friends or family can foster a sense of connection and shared enjoyment.
- Their structure provides emotional comfort.
How to Game-Show Your Way to Less Stress
If I have convinced you that playing along with game shows is a valid form of stress management and a stress relief technique, once again, I am the smartest woman alive…
To get the most out of your game show viewing:
- Pick Your Poison: Jeopardy! for trivia junkies, Wheel of Fortune for word nerds, The Price is Right for the financially curious (and wildly overconfident).
- Play Along: Don’t just watch — shout out answers like your imaginary points matter.
- Make It a Party: Invite your chaos-loving family or fellow overstimulated coworkers to join in. Loser buys snacks.
- Schedule It Like Self-Care: Because it is. And also because if it’s not scheduled, you’ll forget or won’t see it as a priority.
So, the next time life is throwing flaming stress balls your way, don’t doomscroll the news or social media. Reach for the remote.
