My Top 10 Shows to Watch When I'm Anxious

Whether it's starting a new job, moving across the country, or just getting by day-to-day, anxiety happens— it travels with you. Growing up with generalized anxiety, I couldn't always identify what was making me upset. I found comfort in sitcoms and would give myself an hour of distraction before trying to recenter my focus on what I was doing before my anxiety attack. And thanks to major streaming services, you can watch mindless TV from the convenience of your own pocket. This list covers my top 10 favorite anxiety-relieving shows to watch when I'm nervous. 

1. The Office

This mockumentary series is my all time favorite. It follows the lives of employees of Dunder Mifflin, an ordinary small business paper company. The characters, however, are anything but ordinary, as their manager Michael Scott has some… unique managerial tactics. Available on: Peacock, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube, and Google Play.

2. Parks and Recreation

This mockumentary series follows the local parks and recreation department of Pawnee, Indiana. The character development that occurs over the duration of the show is incredibly underrated. And who doesn't love Rob Lowe??? Available on: Peacock, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play, Sling TV, and Philo.

3. New Girl

The only show that shows it's okay to not have your life together in your thirties. Jessica Day (Zooey Deschanel) plays a quirky-girl-next door that finds herself moving into an apartment with three random guys after experiencing a rough breakup from her longtime boyfriend. Available on: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play, and Sling TV.

4. Schitt's Creek

What happens when the wealthiest, yet most incompetent, family you know loses everything? Follow this hilarious journey as the Rose family moves to middle-of-nowhere Schitt's Creek. Available on: Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

5. 30 Rock

Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) plays an NBC writer producing a weekly live show that struggles as her leading actors have competing egos and fragile emotions. Available on: Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV, and Google Play. 

6. Brooklyn 99

Another SNL Alum, Andy Samberg, plays Jake Peralta, a Brooklyn cop in the 99th precinct who loves to goof off in the workplace. Peralta's shenanigans are challenged once his new commanding officer, Ray Holt, takes control. Available on: Hulu, Peacock, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, and Sling TV. 

7. The Simpsons

If you haven't heard of The Simpsons, we have bigger problems at hand. It is the longest-running primetime series! This animation follows the dysfunctional lives of the Simpsons family, as well as the people of Springfield. Available on: Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play, and Sling TV.

8. Bob's Burgers

Another adult-animated series follows Bob Belcher, a passionate, but struggling, small-business owner at a small burger joint. Trying to keep his family afloat, Bob continues to grill through endless hardships. Available on: Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play, and Sling TV.

9. Glow Up

This competition show finds the next big make-up artist. The top 10 contestants are put to the test as they are thrown weekly professional and creative briefs. Available on: Netflix.

10. Tattoo Redo

People come to have their tattoo monstrosity covered, but what they don't realize is they aren't the ones that get to pick the cover-up. See what happens when you let some of your closest friends or family members pick permanent art for your body. Available on: Netflix. 

Written by: Hallie Jaffe 

Instagram: @dontworry.bejaffe