Avoiding TV can be achieved by intentionally planning alternative activities that align with your interests and goals. Begin by identifying hobbies, such as reading, painting, or learning a new skill, that captivate your attention and provide fulfillment. Establish a daily or weekly schedule that allocates time for these activities, making it a habit to engage in them instead of turning on the television.
Consider joining clubs or classes related to your interests to create a social aspect and enhance your commitment. Additionally, designate specific areas in your living space for non-TV activities, making it easier to distance yourself from the temptation of the screen.
Challenge yourself to explore outdoor activities, attend local events, or pursue personal development goals during the time you would typically spend watching TV. Gradually, as you immerse yourself in these alternatives, you’ll find that the habit of avoiding TV becomes a positive and rewarding part of your lifestyle.
100 Things to do instead of watching TV
Here’s a list of 100 activities you can do instead of watching TV. Feel free to mix and match items from this to-do list based on your interests and preferences:
- Read a good book. Better yet, do it at your local library.
- Start a journal.
- Go for a walk or hike.
- Learn a new recipe and cook a meal from scratch.
- Take up a new hobby (painting, knitting, woodworking, etc.).
- Practice a musical instrument.
- Write a short story or poem.
- Volunteer in your community.
- Organize a game night with friends or family.
- Attend a local event or meetup.
- Exercise or try a new workout routine.
- Take a photography walk and capture interesting scenes.
- Visit a museum or art gallery.
- Learn a new language.
- Plan a weekend getaway.
- Start a DIY project.
- Play board games or card games.
- Attend a live performance (concert, play, comedy show).
- Take a dance class.
- Practice meditation or yoga.
- Join a sports league or fitness class.
- Gardening or planting flowers.
- Attend a local workshop or class.
- Have a picnic in the park.
- Visit a farmers’ market.
- Learn to code or build a website.
- Create a scrapbook.
- Go camping.
- Explore your city as a tourist.
- Attend a lecture or TED talk.
- Play a sport (tennis, basketball, soccer, etc.).
- Plan a day trip to a nearby town.
- Take up astronomy and stargazing.
- Learn to play a new card game.
- Take a cooking class. Host a dinner party.
- Join a book club.
- Have a DIY spa day at home.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation. Do it on an evening walk.
- Explore a nearby nature trail.
- Write letters to friends or family.
- Try geocaching.
- Learn origami.
- Attend a fitness class. Find one with live music.
- Visit a historical site.
- Go to a comedy club.
- Try a new restaurant or cuisine.
- Take up painting or drawing.
- Plan a themed costume night with friends.
- Build a puzzle. Finish an adult coloring book.
- Start a blog. Or take a few online courses to learn something new.
- Take a photography class.
- Explore local markets or flea markets.
- Learn to play a board game you’ve never played before.
- Try indoor rock climbing.
- Visit a botanical garden.
- Take a dance class.
- Go to a karaoke night.
- Plan a scavenger hunt.
- Learn a magic trick.
- Try a new outdoor activity (kayaking, paddleboarding, etc.).
- Attend a poetry reading.
- Explore a new coffee shop or cafe.
- Plan a DIY home improvement project.
- Attend a workshop on a topic you’re interested in.
- Go to a local sports game.
- Take a bike ride.
- Join a community theater group.
- Visit an escape room. Get out of your comfort zone.
- Have a themed movie night with friends.
- Take a day trip to the beach.
- Try bird watching.
- Learn to juggle.
- Listen to your favorite album.
- Plan a weekend camping trip.
- Try a new workout class.
- Attend a local festival.
- Take a scenic drive.
- Have a picnic in your backyard.
- Attend a local farmers’ market.
- Try a new restaurant in your area.
- Take a day to declutter and organize your living space.
- Start a home garden.
- Attend a meditation or mindfulness retreat.
- Plan a digital detox day.
- Learn to play a musical instrument.
- Take a creative writing class.
- Join a photography club.
- Try a new outdoor activity (kayaking, hiking, etc.).
- Have a potluck dinner with friends.
- Take a day trip to a nearby town.
- Attend a community event or fair.
- Try a new workout routine.
- Visit a nearby nature reserve. Make a conscious effort to feel grass.
- Take a cooking class.
- Plan a game night with friends.
- Learn a new dance style.
- Try a new board game. How about Settlers of Catan?
- Figure out how to make extra money by picking up a few passive income streams.
- Attend a live performance or show.
- Start a DIY project or craft.
While it is fun to rot on your couch watching your favorite show, sometimes spending time doing other things is better for your soul. For your mental health, it’s wise to step away from your living room every now and then. It is so easy to lose hours in front of the television. Screen time is like a time warp!
How much is too much television?
The amount of television that is considered “too much” varies from person to person and depends on factors such as age, lifestyle, and individual preferences. However, there are general guidelines provided by health organizations.
For children aged 2 to 5, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time to one hour per day of high-quality programming. Meanwhile, for children aged 6 years and older, as well as adults, there are no strict time limits for television time. Still, it’s advised to prioritize other healthy activities and ensure that screen time doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Excessive television watching can have negative effects on physical and mental health. It may lead to sedentary behavior, poor sleep quality, and a lack of engagement in other enriching activities. It’s important to be mindful of the content being consumed, as well, to ensure it is age-appropriate and aligns with one’s values.
Ultimately, individuals should assess their screen time habits, considering the balance between watching television and other activities that contribute to overall well-being. If television consumption interferes with important aspects of life, it may be a signal to cut back and explore alternative, more active pursuits.
How much TV does the average adult watch per day?
The average amount of TV adults watch can vary based on location, age, and cultural differences. In the United States, adults watch around 3-4 hours of television per day on average. It’s important to note that traditional television viewing habits may shift with the rise of streaming services and online content consumption.
Personally, I spend more time in front of a TV than 3 hours. I typically keep the TV on as background noise while I am working and need to find a better alternative. It’s not a good use of time.
Ten different ways to get fresh air daily
Getting fresh air daily is essential for physical and mental well-being. Here are ten different ways to incorporate fresh air into your daily routine:
- Morning Walk or Run: Start your day with a brisk walk or jog in a nearby park or around your neighborhood. Grab your best friend if you can.
- Outdoor Exercise: Take your workout outdoors. Whether it’s yoga, stretching, or strength training, doing it in the fresh air adds an extra boost.
- Lunch Break Outside: Take a break outside instead of eating lunch at your desk. Find a park, courtyard, or any green space to enjoy your meal. There are better ways to break bread than in front of the TV.
- Gardening: If you have a garden or even a small balcony, spend time tending to plants. Gardening is not only a breath of fresh air but also a rewarding activity.
- Bike Ride: Use a bicycle for short trips to the store or to run errands. It’s a practical way to get fresh air while completing daily tasks.
- Nature Hike: If you have extra time, pllan a short hike in a nearby nature reserve or trail. It’s a great way to connect with nature and get some exercise.
- Outdoor Reading: Instead of reading indoors, take your book or e-reader outside. Find a quiet spot, whether it’s a park bench or a hammock in your backyard.
- Al Fresco Dining: Opt for outdoor seating when dining at restaurants or cafes. Enjoying your meals in the fresh air can be a simple yet effective way to get outside.
- Mindful Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation outdoors. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and focus on your breath to relax and rejuvenate.
- Beach Day or Lake Visit: If you’re near a beach or lake, spend a day by the water. The combination of fresh air and natural surroundings can be incredibly refreshing.
There are so many fun things to do outdoors that can encourage less time in front of the TV. Grab a family member and spend some quality time together if you can. Walking with my cousins has been on the the best decisions I’ve ever made. By the way, all of this goes for limiting social media time as well. It’s not just about hours of TV. It’s also about hours online.