We recently begun cutting TV time down to as little as possible. It had gotten to the point where the TV was an automatic appliance as soon as the kids came in the house. Many times it was on without anyone watching it. Worse yet, kids were zoned out if they were in front of the tube. So now we are limiting the TV use, and they are playing more games, reading more, and doing other things that are better for them.
Turn off those TVs!
Turn off those TVs!
Startling TV FactsSource: http://www.SparkPeople.com
If you find it hard to escape the sights and sounds of the tube, or if watching your favorite show turns into more wasted hours than you planned, you're not alone. Americans watch TV for an average of 4 hours every day; even when we're not watching, the television is on--for almost 8 hours a day in the average home. Have you ever realized how much TV has become a part of our lives? Here are some more startling facts, from the non-profit organization, TV-Turnoff Network:
40% of Americans always or often watch TV while eating dinner. Eating dinner or snacking in front of the TV is linked to overeating and dissatisfaction. When you're distracted, you're not mindful of the meal you are eating, causing you to eat more without realizing it or really enjoying your food. Turn off the TV (and other distractions like the computer or the phone), and you'll savor that portion-controlled meal.
50% of U.S. households have 3 or more TVs. When you have more TVs, chances are, more of your family members are watching--instead of spending quality time together, doing homework, and being active.
Think it would impossible to turn off your TV for an entire week? Imagine how much more free time you would have if you didn't spend time watching TV! There are lots of fun (and healthy) things you could do with your newfound time. Here are some examples:
- Get active! Think you don't have time to exercise? Here's your opportunity!
- Make it a family event! Take the kids out for a walk, ride bikes, learn a new sport, go canoeing, etc.
- Read a book or magazine
- Go to bed earlier and get your recommended 7-8 hours of sleep
- Start that new hobby you've been wanting to try
- Cook dinner for your family and enjoy it together at the table
- Volunteer at your local church or community center
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2 comments:
It's interesting you just posted this because in 4 days (not that I'm counting) our cable is going to be turned off. Completely.
And no, I don't have a converter box thingy to even get local channels.
So that means absolutely no TV for us.
It's one of my 'but' busters - I want to get out of debt BUT I don't want to give up cable.
Making a short story really long (LOL!) I'm actually looking forward to not having it as a distraction or something to fall back on when I'm bored. I've been reducing my TV watching in general in preparation of this change and it's very liberating. I stopped watching the negative news ages ago, so this is one more thing to free my brain from being a SIONP! LOL!
Thanks Steph!
I think if I did not have kids I would do away with most TV myself. I like some educational and sports shows, but TV can be a real time waster.
Enjoy your TV-free time!
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