How to Reduce the Amount of Time You Spend Watching TV

TV isn't as bad as it's sometimes made out to be. After all, there are lots and lots of programs on TV that are in all actuality very educational. Nevertheless, too much TV can be bad for you. If you're in front of the TV all the time, you're probably not getting enough physical activity or spending enough time socializing with others, both of which are important for your mental and physical well being. This article will give you some tips to help reduce the amount of time you spend watching TV.

Step 1. Keep track of the time you spend watching TV

The first thing you should do is track the actual amount of time you already spend watching TV each day. Once you have an exact number of hours, you can begin planning goals to reduce that. So, for example, you watch 6 hours a day, plan to only watch 5 hours a day the following week.

Step 2. Continue to wean off of it

Continue to reduce the amount of time you spend each day watching TV by continuing with the pattern outlined in step 1.

Step 3. Just turn it off

Sometimes the best thing you can do is just turn the TV off. It can be difficult, but you just have to do it. If you're eating dinner with your family, just turn it off. If a friend comes over to visit you, just turn it off and have a conversation. Turning off the TV when you know there's no reason for it to be on will help you break your habit.

Step 4. Exercise outdoors

Attempt to engage in more outdoor activities and exercises. This will force you to be away from the TV.

Step 5. Develop other hobbies

Try to find some new hobbies that force you to get out of the house and away from the TV. For example, you could organize a weekly poker game with your friends, or start playing pool or bowling.

Step 6. Entertain people

Start throwing parties at your house or having company over more often in general. If you have people around you to talk to and socialize with, you won' be tempted to just sit and watch TV.

Step 7. Find a hobby online

Find a topic that interests you and spend a few hours each week reading and researching about it online. This way you can occupy your mind with something productive that isn't watching TV but doesn't require you to go out or have company over.