TV Free Could Mean Better Quality of Life

In this media crazed world it would seem ludicrous for a person to choose to not watch television. A boring life must quickly ensue a decision to stop watching television, but in fact, maybe a more fulfilling life could come about.

My first experience being TV free was my freshman year in college. My roommate did not bring her TV, so I planned on getting mine. Except I didn't receive my TV until near the end of first semester, so we went months without watching TV in our room. The strange thing for me, was that I didn't even miss it. My days were filled with classes, homework, studying, socializing with new friends, catching up with old friends on the phone, walking to and from various meetings and social activities on campus.

When our television came I realized how much I hadn't even missed it. While flipping through the channels during a spare moment, I thought to myself how nothing really worthwhile was on. At least not more worthwhile than something else that I could be doing. Apparently, my roommate felt the same way, because the TV was rarely turned on. After a while, though, I began to watch shows like TLC's Wedding Story and Baby Story. And, eventually my TV watching habits returned to usual.

Since the arrival of my son, I have gone back to the TV free days. Most of my days are spent writing, playing with my son, reading, doing housework, handling administrative tasks, and spending time with family and friends. I hardly ever watch TV. I may watch about an hour total a week, maybe two, if I happen to watch a Lifetime movie.

So, what can be gained from being TV free?

Time spent engaging in quality activities.

Spending more time with your family engaging in conversations instead of just sitting complacently around the TV with hardly any communication.

More time to devote to more mind stimulating activities like reading a book or the newspaper, or even spending more time on a hobby.

It forces you to be creative with your time and more active. Get busy doing something worthwhile. Volunteer, offer a helping hand to someone in need, do crafts with your children, study a new language, make housekeeping fun and interesting and go the extra mile, work on making your home a more beautiful and inviting place. The opportunities are endless.

Try going a week or a few days without television, and see how much more time you have to devote to quality activities and conversations with family and friends. Sure, TV can be a great way to relax and unwind for mindless entertainment, and that's ok every now and then. But, make sure that you're not missing out on really living your life, because you're so busy watching other people live theirs.