“The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.” ~Stephen R. Cover
A lot has been happening lately, the world has been on a reckless roller coaster of disasters from one distress to another and in these distressing times, it can be difficult to keep sane and navigate properly through the chaos, terror, and panic. It has been really hard and challenging for some of us to adjust to the stamps of change and take responsibility but we have to.
Depending on where you are in the world, the pandemic might be mildly or greatly serious leading to certain steps and decisions for your safety and I hope you are staying safe and taking the right precautionary measures. Sending my love and light down to all!
It’s so easy to get overwhelmed and lost in the chaos we constantly encounter thereby indulging in some less beneficial activities and in the process we fail to realize that productivity is related to the activities we indulge in.
Some of us work remotely, others spend longer times at home, some have been locked at home for days, weeks and even months and in those inactive times it can be really difficult to occupy yourself and your mind and a lot of people tilt towards the entertaining sphere alone when there is so much more you can do to take proper advantage of your time.
Before posting this, I was worried a lot of people would perceive me as someone who hates watching TV. I actually don’t. But then, I realized that there are limits because life is meant to be lived and not watched.
It’s so easy for us to sit in front of a TV or a screen mindlessly watching shows and operas as time passes away, don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but there are more important things that can come up on your to-do list.
I know you might be wondering already what exactly do you do when you’re bored or idle?” I have written a detailed post on this sharing some helpful tips on productive and fun things you can do when you are bored, do well to check that out before we continue.
Well, frankly, I am not anti-tv. I love watching movies, Netflix and chill and all that. But then again, I reckon that there are way too many hours at night that could be used for things that are more fulfilling, healthy and beneficial. Really, this is the problem.
Many people watch TVs to relieve themselves of accumulated stress, or as a habit but it seems like they are oblivious of the risks they stand to face which among others, is addiction.
Phew! You’re probably asking, “why should I do something else instead of watching TV?” Well, I’ll tell you why. Here are a few reasons:
1. Paying Too Much Attention To Your TV Can Waste Your Time
After I made a decision to reduce the rate at which I watch TV, I discovered that I had more time to do other things I love. I probably wouldn’t have had the time to write my first anthology -despite my consuming busyness- if I had paid way too much attention to watching TV and ignoring other equally or more beneficial options.
Paying too much attention to Tv can reduce your productivity level. So, why not actually look into other things?
2. Like It Or Not, Paying Too Much Attention To Your TV Slows Your Brain
You literally don’t need anyone to tell you that sitting down for hours in front of a television slows your brain. Since television is a one-way medium of communication, you don’t get to interact with the characters on the screen. After watching, you’re bound to feel bored, tired, inert and sleepy. You really can’t compare that to, say, having a talk time with a pal, or visiting a loved one, or even taking a walk.
3. Most TV Channels Don’t Have Quality Shows /Programs
I am not referring to the production quality here, I talking about the overdone content, over-commercialization, the dearth of message-driven shows and so on. There is no way I would sit down in front of a TV watching mediocre shows when there are other things I can actually do.
4. Your Life Is More Important Than Your TV Schedule
Excessively watching TV prevents you from attending to real-life issues. Before I reduced the level at which I watched TV, I literally would wait in front of the screen for 7pm shows and I discovered that I was weaving my life in time with my TV schedule. I needed a change, so I looked for options and truly, they helped.
Ok, so, we’ve established that TVs have a way of stealing our time and there is a need to have alternatives. The question now is, what can one do instead of watching TV? What alternatively fun and more productive things can you engage in?
In the next few paragraphs, I will be sharing 10 things you can do instead of watching TV… Shall we?
1. Read A Book
Reading broadens your mind. You could read for entertainment, education, and information. There are so many books to read. Interesting books. You could pick one up and savor the beauty of the knowledge of the authors. Here is a list of some life-changing books that can transform your life. Books are the authors’ way of speaking to readers.
There are so many things you can gain from reading and more often than not, you’re most likely to gain more from reading than watching the television. Why? Reading is a slower process, likewise the assimilation of the content and unless you’re “speed-reading”, you would most likely gain more from slowly taking in meaningful content than from rushedly consuming transient TV shows.
It worked for me. I had too many books on my shelf begging for my attention but I was whiling away precious time and ignoring the rich books. I was consumed by the frenzy of the funny shows that I almost had nothing else to use for relaxation other than watching the TV.
In no time, I realized I was already getting carried away by the TV; it was though there were no other things to do apart from watching the TV, so I decided to ensure a change happens. I slowly cut off the hours I spent watching barely funny shows and started diversifying into books. It was not easy but I did it.
There are so many persons in the same situation today. They struggle with the distraction called TV and spend useful time on absolutely insignificant things. If you are one of them, I’d suggest you try reading books. Reading is an equally amazing alternative to watching TV.
2. Call A Friend
Keeping in touch with friends and loved ones can be really taxing but not when we have enough time to reach out to them. When last did you call your friends? Relatives? School buddies? Workplace pals? These are the people who matter as long as your existence is concerned.
Instead of watching TV, you can pick up your phone and call that long lost friend. Personally, I have tried this before and I can say from experience that the feeling afterward was really refreshing. It felt good hearing from my friends again. I really wouldn’t have relished that pleasant feeling if I had sat wasting away precious time in front of my TV.
So, instead of watching your TV all the time, try diverting your energy into some other equally engaging activities like calling your friends and loved ones.
3. Declutter Your Home
Decluttering can be stressful but it sure is another productive alternative. What’s the point of always watching TVs when you can equally re-arrange your room? Decluttering can be strenuous but beautiful. There’s this satisfying feeling that accompanies seeing an arranged and orderly environment filled with relevant things.
Your home is your safe haven. It’s the only place you can always run to after the day’s stress, so, it’s important that it’s clean, organized and decluttered. You’d enjoy your stay at home more when you own fewer things. Owning fewer things helps you to organize your life.
Now, would you rather sit on your couch and watch away your time every time, or take out special time to declutter? I think you’d like the latter.
4. Visit Someone
Visit a friend or relative of yours. Instead of watching TV, you can decide to surprise someone with your presence. There’s a lot of differences between calling and actually visiting someone.
Going physically to friends, colleagues or relatives as a way of inquiring about their lives or health matters to them. You might just be making someone’s day. Don’t procrastinate. After visiting, you enjoy better satisfaction than watching your missed show or opera.
5. Do Something Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Essentially, this is not a call to discomforting yourself. It’s a call to fighting your fears. We all have things we’d have ordinarily loved to do but for the fear of the unknown. It could be asking a girl/guy out, making that bold business move, asking for an increase in your salary or extra-time off work, basically taking a courageous step in the face of uncertainty and fear.
Truly, these things might not take up 1 or 2 hours but then, the number of hours used for preparation, would easily compensate plus, you’ll be acting out of our comfort zone and extension, facing your fears.
6. Take A Walk
Taking a walk with your loved one -your significant other, your pet or your best friend- is a good way of unwinding after the day’s job. Truly, you’ll have a whole new experience, especially when blessed by a beautiful sunset.
Taking a walk with your loved one while talking would help increase the level of intimacy that exists between you both. You’d agree with me that that’s way more productive than sitting on your couch watching TV for hours.
So, when next you find yourself wanting to sit in front of your TV, think about the various options available to you, one of which is taking a walk, and do them.
7. Work On A Project Instead Of Watching TV
Personally, I think this can explain the main reason I decided to reduce my TV-watching rate. I am a really busy person. I’ve got academics, blogging, business, DIY projects, mentoring, poetry… A whole lot! And I have realized that evenings are the best periods for me to achieve these things so, I dedicate the time I’m supposed to use for mindlessly watching TVs to these things.
I enjoy watching some shows, I must admit, but I think these things actually bring me more sense of satisfaction than just watching a TV show. I probably wouldn’t have published my book if I didn’t create alternative options for watching TV.
8. Play A Game
Playing games is definitely one of the best ways to get intimate with your friends and loved ones. And no, I am not talking about games on the screen. I am referring to physical games that help increase the bond, like chess, card games, etc. It’s a fun way to interact with the people around you and build a lively atmosphere.
Instead of watching TV all day, you can play games with your friends and family.
9. Listen To Podcasts
Of course, podcasts are amazing ways of cooling off! Thankfully, there are so many podcasts one can listen to. You could listen to podcasts on personal development, health, religion… basically whatever interests you.
10. Try Out New Recipes
Instead of watching TV, you can try out new recipes. No doubt, having new experiences broadens the scope of your mind and trust me, that’s way more interesting than sitting down to mindlessly watch TV shows.
Honestly, the list could go on and on. There are way too many things you can do instead of watching TV. You might have been a victim of excessive TV-watching all through 2019… 2020 should be better. And it would only be better if you decide to make it so. So, make that decision today and watch things change.
To wrap up, I’ll leave a quote from an unknown author from New York, 1939: “TV will never be a serious competitor for radio because people must sit and keep their eyes glued on a screen; the average American family hasn’t time for it.”
For You:
Hey there, I’d like to quickly state again that the aim of this post wasn’t to dispel watching TV. But for your goals to be achieved, you need to realize that discipline is key. If your TV is stealing your time, maybe it’s time to actually look into other engaging and productive things to do.
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Dear Afam
Hello again thankful for your nice and kind feeling again thankful for your nice and kind feeling.
Send warm wishes
Super your idea about studies and skills development thanks