Electronics are ubiquitous in our hyper-connected world. We spend our days with smart phones and tablets and our nights feverishly scrolling through Facebook and Pinterest while catching up on our favorite television programs. While our lives are spent at a frenetic pace, how much more free time could we discover if we simply unplugged?
Watching TV has become something of a national pastime, and while it can be a nice break from the stresses of your everyday life, it can also lead to some pretty unhealthy habits. Sitting on the couch for hours watching show after show means spending less time outdoors, interacting with loved ones or engaging in fun hobbies. Because many of us also indulge in snacks while watching our shows, it can also lead to overeating, which can then lead to weight gain and obesity.
Can you give up television once a week? Planning to go screen-free can give you more time to enjoy other aspects of your life and may help you ease into a lower-stress lifestyle. Settling down in front of your must-see shows is likely a habit, which means that you will need to first plan how to break it. Talk to your family or friends about alternative activities that they may enjoy, and prepare a strategy that will keep you from reaching for that remote. Board games and craft projects are almost always big hits with people of all ages, but you may also plan to spend your day sightseeing in your own or a neighboring city, visiting the zoo or driving through the countryside to look at the fall leaves.
Because you may be tempted to click through a few channels just to convince yourself that nothing good is on, you may need to think about having a backup plan. Turn your computer and other devices off, and unplug them if necessary. If you find yourself getting sucked into the distraction of your phone, think about turning it off, too. Choose a time of the week that you know will be less tempting, and create a list of ideas that include both outdoor and indoor activities for when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Skipping just a day of TV may not sound like a big deal, but when done over a long period of time, it can reduce weekly calories, allow you to increase physical activity and give you more time to spend with loved ones, engaged in your favorite activities or learn new skills. It can even recharge your batteries so that you are more focused and energetic at work as well as play. You may be surprised by how quickly it becomes quite enjoyable to ditch the electronics.