How many hours a week do you spend watching TV?
I am not proud to admit that I spend a good chunk of my free time watching TV. With all of the streaming platforms available now, it is easy to open up my laptop after a long day at work.
According to a Nielsen report, Americans spend an average of about 5 hours a day watching TV. Five hours times seven days a week is 35 hours a week. That is almost a full-time job… of television watching.
Imagine what we could be doing with all of that time!
There are so many possibilities, but I my favorite options are outlined below.
1. Make extra income
Coming straight out of school into the “real” world is a bit jolting. I am really starting to think about what I want my future to look like. I want to build a life that will allow me to see the world and unfortunately traveling is not necessarily cheap. Even if you travel frugally. By building up some extra income I hope to be able to worry less and adventure more.
2. Exercise more
I love working out. Back in high school, I would literally play tennis after school every day for 4 to 5 hours. When I got to college it was simply just not possible to work out that much and I really got out of workout routine. But now that I’m an adult maybe it is time to start taking working out seriously again. Just one hour of exercise a day is said to help lower depression, which makes the activity really worthwhile in the long run for many reasons.
Also, this is a good way to decompress after a long day of work.
3. Volunteer
Giving back is always a great thing to spend your time doing! I personally enjoy participating in beach cleanups, but there are so many wonderful causes to worthy of our time. The feeling you get after helping make someone’s (or some puppy’s) life better just cannot be matched.
4. Read more
Reading. Yes, ye olde paper books. I love a good paperback, but there never seems to be time to read for pleasure but if we can spend that much time watching TV maybe we should give reading a try. Plus, there are tons of good books to help us adventurers on a journey.
5. Journal
Journaling is a great practice to get into. Instead of ignoring all of my crazy thoughts, I write them down. I can work through problems I am having and visualize ways to make a change. It allows you to look at where you’ve come from and plan out where you want to go.
6. Learn something new
Whether that be a new language or a new cooking skill, use your time to try new things and expand your horizons. You don’t have to learn everything in one day, but do your best to learn at least one new thing every day. The sense of accomplishment alone will make you feel so “adult.”
7. Catch up with a friend
Call an old friend, or just text them if that is too crazy! Maybe see if someone in town wants to grab dinner. Just chat and see what is happening in each other’s lives. It can be so nice to finally spend time with a friend.
8. Go for a hike
This one can count for double points because if you are hiking that also means you are exercising. Look up state parks in your area, or find a trail in a local park and head out to the woods. Sometimes that is the absolute best way to clear your head.
9. Paint
Do you like to craft? Painting can be relaxing, but there are plenty of other options for crafting, just pick something that you enjoy working with.
No matter what you chose to do, make sure you are enjoying the experience and not letting TV control your life!
Your turn: Instead of watching TV, how would you like to spend your time?
