You may think that healthy television habits are an oxymoron, much like when we discussed social media’s benefits. We get it.
Here’s the thing: Not only are we the king and queen of rationalization, but watching TV and digital media generally has benefits. It’s all about moderation, folks.
80% of Americans consider watching television a leisure activity that is a significant part of their lives. While we do have a TV, we think that it should not be considered a significant part of your life. It is a bonus—an asset tool that can be used for good and not evil. It’s dramatic sounding, but seriously.
How is Watching Television Healthy?
So, here’s the thing… It’s easy to marathon-watch a series on Netflix and look, once in a while, it is fine. We are not going to rationalize how those viewing habits are healthy. It’s definitely not part of our healthy television habits.
One of the key points in healthy TV watching is setting clear boundaries. There are also shows that can be beneficial depending on your mindset. Let’s also be clear that we are not aiming this toward kids. We don’t have children, nor will we be advocating how screen time is good for kids. Don’t message us about this.
If you (talking to adults here) are mindful of what programs or the type of content you consume, you can have a healthy relationship with television entertainment. We all want that, right?!
How to Have Healthy Television Habits
Let’s explore how to make TV watching a healthy habit and why certain shows are worth your time.
1. Set TV Watching Boundaries
- Create a Schedule: Set up specific TV-watching times for yourself. Avoid having the television on 24/7 as background noise. Also, avoid having it on while you eat. Mindful eating is not possible with the TV on.
- Avoid Marathon Watching: Limiting yourself to one or two episodes simultaneously allows you to savor the experience. The episodes are more memorable. Spacing episodes out also gives you something to look forward to.
- Mindful Watching: Be selective with the shows you watch. Like mindful eating, it is essential to know what you are watching. Nothing is worse than having the TV on and suddenly, 6 hours have passed. What?!
- Placement is Key: A TV in the bedroom is not a good idea for best sleep hygiene. Also, do your best to eliminate screen time before bed. The rule of thumb is to stop screen time by at least an hour, but it’s best to stop watching TV two hours before bed.
2: Our Television Recommendations
- For a Fun, Mindless Escape:
- Ghost Adventures: While it’s completely mindless, it’s a great way to relax without thinking too hard. Perfect for a light scare before bed. It’s also a lot of fun (and easy to do when you are not there) making fun of Zak and Aaron.
- For Perspective and Reflection:
- Dateline: OK, hear us out. Watching True Crime or murder investigative shows can put things into perspective. Suddenly, that annoying work email doesn’t seem so bad when compared to the real-life stories on Dateline.
- For Nostalgic Comfort:
- Golden Girls and Mary Tyler Moore: These old sitcoms are like a warm blanket of nostalgia. They remind us of simpler times, with humor that still holds up. Watching them can be a comforting escape into the past. Plus, we get to see Betty White in some of her best work on both shows.
3. How to Make TV Watching a Healthy Habit
- Balance with Other Activities: Pair TV time with light exercise, like stretching or using a stationary bike. You can watch a documentary about something you want to learn more about while you burn calories.
- Interactive Viewing: Discuss episodes with friends or join online communities to make the experience more interactive and social. It’s like a book club but for TV watching.
- TV as a Reward: We have found that giving ourselves TV time as a reward is amazing! After accomplishing daily tasks, getting our steps in, or working in the yard, we then have TV as a positive reinforcement tool. We love watching TV for our next travel inspo- like set-jetting!
Find Your TV Sweet Spot
When done correctly, you can create healthy television habits. Watching TV can be a healthy part of your life. You just have to make the right choices, set the necessary boundaries, and make it less of a time-suck. TV can be a source of joy and relaxation.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Take regular breaks to rest your eyes and stretch. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Ensure your TV is at an appropriate distance and height to reduce eye strain.
Watching TV before bed can interfere with sleep because screens emit blue light. To mitigate this, establish a screen-free wind-down routine an hour before bedtime. We also use blue light filters on our devices, which can help.
Keep a TV diary or use apps that track screen time. Periodically review your time watching TV and assess whether it aligns with your goals and values. Adjust your habits if you find that TV takes too much time or affects other areas of your life. You can add this as part of your life audit.
