In March, I decided to give up TV for the entire month and on March 18th, I cracked. I watched the 2 hour reunion of Vanderpump Rules. Worrrrth it.
Jokes aside, that month taught me a lot about how easily distracted I am by television. The only other time I watched TV all month was watching Michigan State play twice, even though I said I wouldn’t. Oh ahem. GO GREEN! I was honestly surprised they made it that far in the NCAA basketball tournament, so I allowed the exception.
Like an addict.
I think the best way of describing not having TV in my life would be: quiet. I got ready in the morning with just a radio, something I hadn’t done since high school. When the GermanWings plane crashed, I listened to the TV news while I was getting ready (a condition I said I would allow if bad news happened). But I immediately noticed how quickly I was sucked in, standing there, just watching.
Like an addict.
(Ironically, I’m watching Intervention while writing this.)
When April 1st came around, I had basically 10 hours of shows DVRed. 10 HOURS. Did I watch them all so far? Of course. Ha. Except that’s not really funny.
I could have been reading the book I started reading. I could have been dancing in the kitchen while making dinner. I could have planned out future blog posts.
All more productive than watching mindless television and all things I did last month when television wasn’t around.
Things I’ve learned:
- I’m more aware of how TV can suck me in for 5, 10 or 60 minutes.
- I can live without it and didn’t miss anything life changing.
- I can multi-task and watch TV while doing something else, but turning off the TV makes me accomplish that task 10x faster.
- I have a major Bravo TV addiction.
- I noticed that without TV other distractions payed a bigger role: Facebook.
- Reading before bed helped me sleep better.
So there it all is in total honesty.
Would you be able to give up television or something you know is a total distraction?