If you don't have enough time...stop watching TV

I felt sort of tired and rundown on Friday, and it was one of my first nights free since getting my new laptop (my only source of television, since we don’t keep one in the house), so I watched the entire newest season of Grey’s Anatomy. I was disappointed I reached the end of the most recent episode, realizing I would have to wait a week until my next fix. Then I realized that I was suddenly superbly invested in a show I had no attachment to six hours prior. What’s with that?

Monday morning back at work, and my desktop wallpaper was a friendly reminder of my (very long) life’s motto.

“If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV.” Oh, yeah. No wonder I was so productive in October, when I had no TV and no laptop. And to be honest, I didn’t really miss it. I’ll probably keep up with Grey’s, The Office, 30 Rock, Modern Family, and Community, but that’s it. Those 5 shows (sans-commercials) add up to just over 2 hours of TV each week. According to the 2009 American Time Use Survey Summary, Americans over the age of 15 watch TV for an average of 2.8 hours every day.

So, kittens, a challenge. I won’t ask you to give up any of your long-standing favourite shows. I know I couldn’t give up The Office, not after I waited so frickin’ long for Jim and Pam to get together. But can you give up a show you only recently started watching, or promise yourself not to tune into any new shows next season? I don’t mean to get all life-coachy on your tails, but why not use that hour each week to read a book, spend time with family, study, take up a hobby, or exercise? Or grab coffee with a friend – I’m TV-free every night except Thursdays!

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