What Is ‘That Girl’ Energy and Is It Real? The Psychology of Rewatches
The “That Girl” aesthetic dominates TikTok and Instagram, showing aspirational morning routines and picture-perfect self-care. At the same time, many Gen Zers turn to rewatching familiar shows to calm anxiety. But is this version of self-improvement real—or just performative? And why do rewatches comfort us more than new content?
Page 1: The Rise of ‘That Girl’ and Why It Hooks Gen Z
“That Girl” energy rose as a polished lifestyle trend on TikTok in the early 2020s. Picture it: waking up at 5 a.m., green smoothies, matching workout sets, a clean apartment, and disciplined journaling. It promised transformation—just add aesthetics.
For many Gen Zers, it became a visual shorthand for control and success. Amid economic pressure and emotional burnout, these routines offer the illusion of order. But they can also fuel unrealistic comparisons and mask deeper mental health struggles.
Why It Appeals
- Visual simplicity: You can mimic and post it.
- Validation culture: It's socially rewarded with likes.
- Control in chaos: It creates routine in uncertain times.
Criticism & Limitations
Therapists caution that it often excludes neurodivergent, chronically ill, or lower-income viewers. Plus, when wellness becomes a performance, it loses its healing power. Perfectionism can hide emotional exhaustion.
Emergence of Self-Aware Subversions
New microtrends like “That Tired Girl” or “Anti-Aesthetic Wellness” emerged by 2025—highlighting mess, pauses, and humour over pressure. These movements reflect growing Gen Z awareness around authenticity.
Page 2: The Psychology Behind Comfort Rewatching
1. Predictability Reduces Stress
Rewatching old TV shows or movies calms the brain. Known outcomes require less cognitive effort, reducing anxiety and helping with emotional regulation. Think of it as psychological anchoring ([Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/defining-memories/202212/play-and-repeat-why-we-watch-the-same-shows-over-and-over?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
2. Rewatching for Emotional Stability
Comfort rewatches allow viewers to emotionally revisit safer, simpler mental spaces. They deliver reassurance. For some, it's not nostalgia—it’s a survival tool in overstimulated lives.
3. Parasocial Bonds as Coping Tools
When we see characters over and over, they start to feel like familiar friends. These “parasocial” relationships are a way to access connection and emotional validation—especially for those feeling isolated or burnt out.
4. Nostalgia as a Regulator
Nostalgic rewatches create a mood buffer. They restore energy and confidence when real life feels unsteady. It's cinema therapy without the therapist ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_therapy?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
Page 3: How to Use ‘That Girl’ Energy and Rewatches with Intention
5. Build Real Rituals, Not Just Aesthetics
Routines help—but only if they come from within. Don’t force a 5 a.m. wakeup just to “keep up.” Try a 10-minute journal, 20-minute walk, or solo tea ritual that grounds you.
6. Use Rewatches Consciously
Ask: What about this show relaxes me? Is it familiarity? Character safety? Pause to notice what your brain is seeking, not just escaping.
7. Reflect in Real Time
Jot down one takeaway post-show or post-routine. “I watched this because I needed familiarity.” “This journal entry helped me offload stress.” Link action to meaning.
8. Validate Yourself Internally
Let go of likes. Instead, repeat quiet affirmations: “I am calm without posting. I am enough without performing.” Self-worth should be internal—no approval filter needed.
Quick Practices
| What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Solo tea break + journal | Establishes presence and self-trust |
| Mindful rewatch 2× week | Provides emotional consistency |
| Limit TikTok to 30 mins/day | Reduces external comparison |
| Affirmation: “My rest is valid” | Builds inner validation loop |
Final Thought
‘That Girl’ energy can be real—but only when it serves your healing, not your feed. Rewatching isn’t laziness—it’s a tool when used with awareness. The truth is: Gen Z thrives not through perfection but through presence. So rewatch, rest, reflect—and let your rituals be rooted in you.