Maybe it’s because of the time of year, where people reflect and take stock of their progress, but I’ve been reading a lot of articles about productivity lately.
One thing that crops up again and again is that the most productive people don’t do one thing the rest of us do: they don’t watch television.
Now, I watch a fair bit of TV. I’m probably somewhere in the mid-range, as I do a lot of other things too: reading, blogging, writing, working out. But most days I manage to watch an episode or two of something, even if it’s only on in the background while I’m doing something else.
While I’ll never give up television completely, I’d like to be a bit more mindful about what I’m watching.
No more endless repeats of mediocre shows that I’ve seen a dozen times or more. No more programmes that I used to love, but have lost their lustre. No more programmes that I feel I should watch, but don’t really enjoy.
Don’t get me wrong, I love watching TV and I get a lot out of it. The right film or show can be a great inspiration for my writing, and I’ve learned a lot about how to structure a story that way.
Sometimes, when I’ve had a long day and my brain is tired, zoning out for an hour in front of the box can be the best way to relax. Unfortunately, TV also often means time spent eating, as I’ve gotten into the habit of snacking when I watch my favourite shows; it feels like more of an indulgence that way. Not very healthy.
I know deep down that I should watch less television. I always have a list of things that I’d like to achieve or be working on. And I’m always bemoaning how I don’t have enough time.
And that’s the easy answer, right there. Of all the things in my life, television is probably the one I could most easily cut back on. Without the urge to vegetate on the sofa, I’d have more time to read, write and even socialise.
I’m not planning to do anything dramatic, but I think it’s time to consciously switch off more often. Conveniently a lot of the shows I’ve watched for years are coming to an end, so instead of filling up my schedule with new things, I’ll be thinking about how else I can use my time.
And maybe then when I choose to watch TV, it will be a real treat, rather than a way to mindlessly kill a couple of hours each evening.
Lola says
I never really have been a tv watcher (guess that means I am more productive?). In our house the tv was only on when someone was watching something, so I don’t really get the concept of having the tv on as background.
My boyfriend’s parents always have the tv on and when the tv is on, I can’t so anything else but watch even if I don’t find it interesting. It’s actually annoying. When I am home I never switch on the tv, unless it is to play on my playstation, which doesn’t happen often. I do sometimes watch movies or series with boyfriend now and then.
I think only switching the tv on when you really want to watch something is a rgeat way to more consciously watch when it’s on and maybe be more productive when it’s off?
Amy Lord says
I agree, Lola – that’s when I get sucked into hours of TV, when I just shove on repeats of shows I’ve watched over and over. I don’t really engage with them, they’re just an easy way of passing some time. Being more conscious about what I’m watching would definitely help me to cut down!
Jade @ Bits & Bobs says
When me and my partner moved in to our own family home we made the choice to purposefully not buy a TV. We aren’t huge TV watchers, but we noticed whilst living at my Mum’s (in order to save money) we did gravitate towards vegging out on the sofa with accompanying snacks. Now, I wouldn’t say I’m the most productive person around but I do think I get a lot more accomplished in the day now that the temptation of plonking myself down in front of some reruns isn’t there.
We do own a bunch of DVD’s and of course have Netflix (who doesn’t these days?!) so we are able to get our watching fix, but I tend to save that for the evening now when my son has gone to bed.
Good luck with cutting down on TV time!
🙂
Amy Lord says
I always admire people who can live happily without a television! I don’t think I could manage it completely, but as you say, there are so many ways to consume media these days that you can still enjoy your favourite shows and films without one.
Sara Strauss says
I’m trying to do the same! I have the shows that I have to watch a few nights a week, but other than the TV is on in the background or I’m watching the same movie for the millionth time. Now and then I want to turn the TV off and listen to good music instead!
~Sara
Amy Lord says
I tend to record everything and watch it back, so I don’t stick to a schedule – perhaps that’s the way to start cutting back a little!
Katie says
I need to turn my laptop off more than anything! I tend to (sort of) watch TV whilst I’m working, as I need some form of background noise to be able to do anything… I do spend far too much time on my laptop though!
Amy Lord says
I’m terrible for using my tablet constantly – even when I’m watching TV! I’ll just go to check Facebook or read the news quickly, then realise I’ve wasted an hour trawling through rubbish!