Cartoons and comics are often dismissed as kids’ stuff, but the truth is that they can offer several benefits to people of all ages. Here are some reasons why cartoons and comics improve your mental health and also how it impacts people.
Table of Contents
- 1. They Are Entertaining
- 2. They Teach Us Empathy
- 3. They Can Help Us Go Through Difficult Emotions
- 4. They Inspire Minds Both Young and Old
- 5. They Teach Perseverance
- 6. They Help Us Relax
- 7. They Can Boost Our Creativity
- 8. They Promote Critical Thinking
- 9. They Help Us Learn New Things
- 10. They Make a Positive Impact
- 11. They Boost Our Self-esteem
- 12. They Are Good for Kids
- 13. Take Care of Yourself
- Final Thought
1. They Are Entertaining
One of the most obvious benefits of comics is that they are entertaining. When you read a good comic, you can’t help but be pulled into the story. This is especially true for serialized comics, where each new issue builds on the previous ones. Good comics can be addictive, in the best possible way.
2. They Teach Us Empathy
Comics often deal with social issues in a way that can help readers understand and empathize with people who are different from them. For example, the X-Men comics deal with themes of discrimination and prejudice, which can help readers understand what it’s like to be a minority.
Other comics, such as Maus, deal with the Holocaust in a way that humanizes the victims and helps people understand the horrors of that time period.
3. They Can Help Us Go Through Difficult Emotions
Sometimes, it can be helpful to read about characters who are going through tough times, even if they’re fictional. Seeing someone else’s struggles can help us process our own emotions and feel less alone.
In addition, many comics deal with themes of loss and grief, which can be very cathartic for readers who are dealing with those emotions in their own lives. For example, the comic book series Sandman deals with grief in a very moving and beautiful way.
4. They Inspire Minds Both Young and Old
Comics can inspire readers of all ages to use their imaginations. For young readers, comics can be a gateway into reading and learning. They can also inspire kids to create their own stories and artwork. For older readers, comics can provide an escape from the mundane world and inspire them to think about new ideas and possibilities. In addition, comics can be a great way for people of all ages to bond over common interests.
5. They Teach Perseverance
A lot of comics are about characters who face difficult challenges and persevere despite the odds. This can be a great inspiration for readers who are facing difficulties in their own lives. Reading about someone who overcomes adversity can help us believe that we can do the same.
6. They Help Us Relax
Reading can be a great way to relax and take your mind off of your own problems. Getting lost in a good story can help you forget your troubles for a while, and that can be a really helpful escape. In addition, many people find the act of reading itself to be very calming.
7. They Can Boost Our Creativity
One of the benefits of comics is that they often deal with fantasy and science fiction concepts, which can fire up our imaginations. Reading about other worlds and superhuman abilities can inspire us to come up with our own ideas. In addition, many comics are very visually stimulating, which can also help spark our creativity.
8. They Promote Critical Thinking
Comics often deal with complex concepts and social issues, which can encourage readers to think critically about the world around them. In addition, many comics are open-ended and leave a lot of room for interpretation, which can promote discussions and debates among readers.
9. They Help Us Learn New Things
Many comics are actually quite educational, especially those that deal with history or science. In addition, even fictional comics can teach us new things about the world and how it works. For example, the popular comic book series Saga is set in a completely imaginary world, but it still managed to teach me a few things about astrophysics.
10. They Make a Positive Impact
Comics have the potential to make a positive impact on the world. For example, many comics deal with social issues in a way that can raise awareness and promote understanding. In addition, some comics are specifically designed to teach kids about important topics like literacy and science. And finally, comics can simply be a fun and enjoyable way to spend your time.
11. They Boost Our Self-esteem
Comics can be a great way to boost your self-esteem. For example, seeing characters who look like you can help you feel more represented and appreciated. In addition, reading about characters who overcome adversity can inspire you to do the same in your own life.
12. They Are Good for Kids
Comics are not just for adults. In fact, they can be a great way to get kids interested in reading and learning. They can also teach kids important life lessons, like the importance of perseverance and resilience.
13. Take Care of Yourself
Comics can do little things if you’re not taking care of yourself. When you suffer from mental health issues, make sure to eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep. Also, try to take breaks from your phone and social media. And finally, don’t forget to enjoy the simple things in life.
Final Thought
Comics are just plain fun. They’re a great way to relax, escape from your problems, and explore new worlds. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health, pick up a comic book today. You might be surprised at how much it helps.