The Bad Habit of TV - What Are You Really Using It For?
by Catherine Pratt
www.Life-With-Confidence.com
The bad habit of tv, where we watch way too many hours per week, is something many of us don't even think about anymore. The TV is just something we automatically turn on or some people apparently never switch it off. It's a fact that on average, we watch more than 4 hours a day which works out to be 28 hours a week. That’s more time than you would spend at a part time job. That’s a lot of time and most of us don’t even realize it.
There’s nothing wrong with watching TV in itself. The problem occurs when we do it simply out of habit or because we’re using it as a crutch to avoid dealing with certain emotions.
So, here’s a challenge for you, before you turn on the TV the next time, ask yourself, “Why am I turning this on?”
You might answer that question with you want to watch a certain show.
But, are you really? Many of us will turn on the TV as soon as we walk
in the door because it’s that bad habit we don’t think about. How many
times do you suddenly realize that you spent an entire evening
mindlessly flipping from channel to channel? If you do, it’s time to
ask yourself, “What am I really using the TV for?” If you’re honest
with yourself, it’s not because you just can’t live without knowing who
was voted off Survivor. It could be one of the following
factors:
• Avoidance
When
you’re watching TV, you don’t have to deal with any of the problems in
your life. You don’t have to relate to those people you don’t want to
talk to. You don’t have to take action towards changing your life. You
can simply avoid absolutely everything that happens to be going on in
your life right now. If you’re feeling any emotions of anger or
frustration, you can simply numb them by staring at the TV screen for a
few hours.
• Procrastination
You know you have things you should be doing. TV allows you to procrastinate. "I’ll just watch this show and then I’ll go exercise”. Usually, you’ll keep telling yourself that until, “well, there’s no more time, I’ll have to do it tomorrow.” except tomorrow never comes because of your handy TV excuse.
• Comfort
The problems are usually solved in half an hour or an hour on TV shows. Sometimes they're funny and provide some laughter. You have a routine you follow every week. The character on the shows become like friends. You look forward to seeing them. You can also live vicariously through someone else’s life without having to take a single risk yourself. Nobody wants anything from you and you can just zone out and watch some mindless entertainment.
• Turn Your Brain Off
You’re tired of life and you just don’t want to think anymore. It’s so easy to stare blankly at the screen and not have to think anything. If someone asked you, you probably couldn’t even tell them what show you’re watching.
• Fear
If you’re starting out trying to achieve a new goal or new Life Direction or just making some positive changes in your life, it can be scary. One way to deal with the fear is not to deal with it at all. This doesn’t solve the problem though and your fear will continue to build until you do decide to deal with it.
• You’re Bored
And you don’t know what to do about it or you just don’t have the energy to do anything about it.
"If you're afraid to be alone, it means you're afraid of your thoughts. If you loved your thoughts, you would love to be alone anywhere with them; you wouldn't have to turn on the radio when you get in the car, or the TV when you get home. The way you relate to your thoughts - that's what you bring to every relationship you have, including the one with yourself." - Byron Katie
It's an excellent book. If you're afraid of your thoughts, pick up a
copy of this book and you'll be amazed at how quickly those frightening
thoughts no longer have any control over you. You'll get your life
back.
There’s nothing wrong with watching TV
but if you’re using it to avoid dealing with your problems or to avoid
actually living your life then it’s time to become aware of your
actions. The problem with TV is that it’s just much too easy. One
quick push of a button on your remote and you’re suddenly immersed into a
new and escapist world. TV can be a very handy crutch. It’s also
addictive. You want to know what happens to your favourite characters
next week. The shows are designed to get you hooked and you don’t want
to deal with things so you end up not even thinking about what you’re
really doing to your life.
One way to learn an amazing amount
about yourself is to stop completely from watching TV for a set period
of time. You’ll learn way more than you ever did by watching TV. See
if any of the above points suddenly become apparent.
Plus, think
about it, when you’re 80 years old, do you want to look back at your
life and know that the only thing you’ve learnt is that you knew who the
reality tv show winner was every year running? Or do you want to think back on
your own life experiences and smile?
Ready to take the challenge?
The next time you go to turn on the TV, ask yourself, “Why am I turning this on? and "Is this really what I want to be doing with my life?"
Something to consider before you turn on the tv
"It’s your life. Your LIFE!
Will you spend that life watching television
where some people pretend to be other people
who don’t even exist?"
Charles Burke
Related Articles
- Making Goals? This Time Try a Life Direction Instead
- Why Am I so Tired? What Your Brain Might Be Trying to Tell You
- What's Your Life Story? Do You Need to Let It Go?
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