Dr. Bryant encouraged listeners to reflect on why they find solace in watching multiple episodes of true crime shows before bed, asking them to consider why trauma may be relaxing to them. She explained that individuals who grew up in high-stress environments often mistake peace for boredom, and in order to rediscover oneself, it is necessary to confront and embrace the discomfort that accompanies this unfamiliar territory.

These insights resonated deeply with many listeners who took to social media to express their own experiences. Some individuals shared that violent media served as a distraction from the pain they were feeling in their own lives, redirecting their anger. Others revealed that it was not the trauma itself that was relaxing but rather the justice that characters or real people often received in those stories, a justice they felt was absent in their own lives.

One user acknowledged the personal growth they had undergone, noting that after working on themselves for the past two years, they could no longer consume true crime content as they once did. Another pointed out the profound impact of constantly exposing one’s subconscious mind to graphic content, asserting that such exposure inevitably affects one’s mood and mindset, hindering the healing process.

Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, further explored why trauma survivors may find true crime narratives captivating. She posited that individuals with a history of trauma might be drawn to true crime as a means of re-experiencing and exerting control over those traumatic situations in a safe environment. Dr. Jeglic also highlighted that many individuals studying psychology or pursuing careers in the field have personal histories of mental illness, using their experiences to better understand themselves and facilitate their healing journeys.

The insightful conversation around true crime shows and real life between Dr. Thema Bryant and Mel Robbins shed light on the complex relationship between trauma, media consumption, and healing. It showed that finding comfort in violent media may indicate a deeper need for self-reflection and counseling. Ultimately, exploring motivations and seeking healthier avenues for healing could be helpful to anyone who wants to experience a more profound and sustainable transformation.

Leftovers — they’re time-savers, the perfect snack in between meals, and a delicious reminder of the awesome meal you had the day before. The tricky part is knowing how long you can store them in the fridge before they go bad. Here’s your quick guide on leftover food longevity and how to properly store them in your fridge.

Why Leftover Food Belongs in the Fridge

Unlike non-perishable food and most grocery items, leftovers don’t come with an expiration date or a label for that matter. Whether it’s leftover food from a restaurant or something you cooked the previous day, it’s important to be mindful of proper storage. Leftovers are prone to bacteria growth, and eating bad food is never a fun experience. The key to prolonging the shelf life of your leftovers is ensuring they stay at refrigerator temperature.

The most common reason for bacteria growth in cooked foods is the so-called “temperature abuse,” which occurs when meals have been left for too long at an unsafe temperature, e.g., forgetting things on the kitchen table or leaving a stew on the countertop overnight. To prevent that, make sure you put your leftovers in proper containers and store them in the fridge as soon as they’ve cooled down.

Leftovers Usually Last Three to Four Days

If you’re wondering how long roasted chicken or your favorite Thai rice can last in the fridge, you’re not alone. While most leftovers, such as cooked pork, shrimp, veggie/meat soup, chicken, pasta, rice, and even cheesecake and pumpkin pie, can last about three to four days in the fridge, there are other meals like sushi with raw fish that won’t be good for more than two days. If you don’t think you’ll be able to eat your leftovers within that time window, it’s best to freeze them right away.

How to Properly Store Leftovers

Keeping leftover food in the fridge is only half of it. The other half is using the right containers and knowing when to put the food in the fridge. Here are some key tips to help you with that:

• Always put your leftovers in the fridge within the first two hours after cooking.
• Use shallow containers (preferably made from microwave-resistant plastic or borosilicate glass) and sealed bags to store food.
• Make sure to place your leftovers on the top shelf, as it’s generally the coldest part of your fridge.
• Discard any leftovers that have already been reheated once.
• Set your refrigerator between 35°F and 38°F.

If you notice color changes, mold growth, or a slimy texture, throw away the food immediately!