Why Do I Just Want to Watch Netflix When I'm Stressed?

balancing stress breathwork healing personal growth somatic healing

Picture this: you've had a long day. Maybe your boss decided to "circle back" about ten times too many, your to-do list looks like it was written by a sadistic overachiever, and you’re one unwashed dish away from starring in your own meltdown scene.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind? A hot bath? A brisk walk? Nah. It’s Netflix, baby (or the doom scroll on Social Media). That sweet, colourful beacon of endless streaming joy. But why?

Let me introduce you to your nervous system, specifically your polyvagal nervous system (Your polyvagal nervous system refers to the way your autonomic nervous system functions according to the Polyvagal Theory, which describes how your body responds to perceived threats through different states based on the activity of your vagus nerve, particularly focusing on two distinct branches: the ventral vagus (social engagement) and the dorsal vagus (shutdown response), with the sympathetic nervous system acting as a "fight or flight" state in between them; essentially, it's a model explaining how your body regulates safety and connection through different neural pathways within the vagus nerve).

Don't worry; you don’t need a biology degree for this. Think of it as your inner emotional thermostat, constantly gauging whether you're safe and cozy or being chased by metaphorical (or literal) tigers. And it’s got three main settings:

1. Social Engagement Mode (The "I’m Doing Great" Zone)

When you’re in this mode, life feels manageable. You’re chatting with friends, making eye contact, and maybe even whistling while you work. This is your body’s "everything’s fine" signal, powered by the ventral vagal branch of the vagus nerve. It’s like the Wi-Fi connection to your best self: stable, secure, and ready to handle life’s curveballs.

2. Fight or Flight Mode (The "I’m Freaking Out" Zone)

Stress shows up, and your body’s like, "Game on!" Your heart races, your breathing quickens, and suddenly, everything feels like an emergency. This is your sympathetic nervous system doing its thing -getting you ready to fight off that tiger or sprint away from it. Fun fact: your brain doesn’t care if the "tiger" is an overdue reporte, your 3 year old tantruming in a carpark when you're already running late or an actual predator. Stress is stress.

3. Shutdown Mode (The "I Can’t Even" Zone)

If fight or flight doesn’t solve the problem (or you don't pay attention to it's warning signs), your body might hit the emergency brake and drop into dorsal vagal shutdown. This is your system saying, "Well, I tried. Let’s just play dead and hope for the best." You feel numb, disconnected, or completely wiped. Cue: the Netflix binge or Social Media Doom Scroll.

So why does Netflix feel like the perfect escape? It’s a brilliant (albeit temporary) hack for a nervous system stuck in overdrive. Let’s break it down:

1. Netflix Gives You a Sense of Control

When life feels chaotic, the ability to hit "play" (and "pause"... or "skip intro") gives you power over something. Even if it’s just choosing between a murder mystery or a feel-good rom-com, that tiny bit of agency feels grounding. You get to lay, slump or sit in a perceived safe and familiar environment - usually your bed or couch.

2. It Mimics Social Engagement

Remember Social Engagement Mode? Watching characters interact—even fictional ones—can trick your nervous system into feeling connected. It’s like your brain’s going, "Oh look, people! They’re talking, they’re laughing, they’re hugging. All is well."

3. It’s a Safe Place to Feel

Overwhelmed emotions often get shoved to the side when you’re busy surviving. Netflix gives you permission to cry over a fictional breakup or laugh at awkward sitcom banter, letting you process emotions without confronting the Big Scary Stuff directly. This could help a little, but the only way to truly process your own stuff is direct contact with it. 

But Here’s the Catch

While Netflix is great for short-term comfort, it doesn’t help you actually regulate your nervous system. It’s like slapping a band-aid on a leaky pipe: it’ll hold for a while, but eventually, you’ve got to fix the source of the leak. That’s where practices like breathwork, somatic movement, and connection come in.

What to Do When Stress Hits

Next time you’re tempted to dive into a six-hour binge, try adding one of these nervous system-friendly practices to your toolkit:

  1. Pause and Breathe: Take a few deep breaths, elongating the exhale. Try inhaling for 4 counts, exhaling for 6. This gently nudges your body out of fight or flight mode.

  2. Move Your Body: Shake it out, sway to your favorite song, or do some cat-cow stretches. Movement signals to your brain that you’re safe.

  3. Connect with Someone: Call a friend or simply sit in the same room as another human being (pets count!). Connection is a nervous system superpower.

  4. Set a Timer for Netflix: Give yourself permission to indulge, but set a limit. Watch one episode, then do something active or grounding.

  5. Practice Gratitude: Even if it’s just "I’m grateful for my soft blanket and this absurdly entertaining reality show," focusing on what feels good can slowly rewire your nervous system for safety.

When you're too far in you may need a little extra Help to shift Gears - How I Can Help You

If you’re finding it tough to move out of that "I Can’t Even" zone, this is where yoga, somatic healing, sound healing, meditation and breathwork can make a world of difference.

These practices are like a direct line to your nervous system—helping you shift from overwhelm to balance, gently and effectively. Through personalised techniques, I guide you in reconnecting with your body, releasing tension, and finding that sweet spot where resilience begins to grow.

Ready to feel more at home in yourself - your own mind and body? Click HERE to work with me and let’s start your journey toward greater balance and self connection.

Final Thoughts

Stress, overwhelm, and even trauma aren’t signs of failure; they’re just your nervous system trying to protect you. Netflix isn’t the villain here - it’s a tool, albeit one that works best in moderation. By understanding what’s happening under the hood (thanks, polyvagal theory!), you can start to build resilience and feel more in control, no matter what life throws your way.

Now go forth, breathe deep, and maybe save that Netflix binge for after you’ve shaken out today’s stress. You’ve got this.

Much Bodily Love and Wisdom

Larissa xx

 


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