Once we hit high school, most of us left cartoons behind in the rush to “grow up”. But now, a growing number of adults are unapologetically revisiting these animated worlds and reaping real mental health benefits.

The new wellness ritual: Cartoons for adults

Why are grown-ups tuning back into cartoons? The answer isn’t just nostalgia. The emotional pull of animated shows runs deeper, offering a toolkit for combating daily stress and reconnecting with lost parts of ourselves.

“Watching kids’ shows can be self-affirming for adults who missed out on seeing their identity onscreen growing up,” reports "The Conversation".

As online communities like #blueytok swell with adult fans, it’s clear that animation is more than a guilty pleasure; it’s a wellness ritual.

Breaking free from adulting fatigue

Adulthood can feel relentless, with careers, bills, and relationships. The pressure to be “serious” often squeezes out the space for play.

But research now suggests that rediscovering cartoons can provide a vital escape valve. Dr David Rosmarin, founder and director of the Centre for Anxiety in New York, has made cartoons a surprising part of his treatment plans for depression and chronic anxiety.

“Cartoons are powerful because they release stress by increasing pleasurable activities,” Rosmarin explains. Unlike most comedies, cartoons create worlds without the heaviness of adult life - no bills, no heartbreak, just colour, optimism, and laughter.

childhood

From nostalgia to wellness: why adults are binge-watching cartoons for better mental health