10 Ways My Life Changed After I Got Rid of My TV
The idea of ridding myself of the TV came when I started a journey of simplifying my life. I tried to go over all my expenses to see if they were all really necessary. (More on this in an upcoming post.) This led me to cancel my cable subscription.
When I first stopped watching TV I got bored. I've watched a lot of TV during the ten years I've lived on my own. Often when I got home from work I just turned it on to have the noise in the background of anything I was doing. Some days I'd get home from work, turn on the TV, make dinner and eat while watching a brain dead show. Before I knew it, it was bedtime. I've been working in an IT company, that means that I could get up to 14 hours a day in front of a screen. Now that I think about it, it's crazy. It sure caused me to lead a sedative lifestyle.
Here's What Happened When I Got Rid of the Old Television:
1. I'm spending more time outdoors
When there was nothing more to do indoors, I simply just went outside. This has actually improved my sleep.
2. I'm saving money
The fee for owning a TV in Norway per year is 324 USD and the cable TV is 591 USD.
Per year I save a total of 915 USD.
3. I'm more creative
I listen a lot more to music because I was used to having the TV as background noise. Because of that I started playing the piano more often, and freed up time to practice the guitar.
4. I've got more time for important stuff
My family has seen me a lot more now that I don't binge-watch crappy TV shows.
5. I'm losing weight
I did not see this coming. After the TV was gone, I got bored. And I stared to go for more walks in my neighborhood, and also I found myself hitting the gym.
6. I read more books
Books are important to me, and I've always read a lot. But now I read even more, and reading improves my writing. Lately I've been reading lots of English books on my beloved Kindle.
7. I have more energy
I sleep better, and there's no longer any reasons for me to spend up to six hours on the sofa, so I move around instead.
8. I buy less crap
It's only now that I don't watch TV anymore, that I realize how much commercial I have been exposed to. We all would love to think that we don't let commercial affect us, but it does.
9. I'm more social
When people come over, we actually talk.
10. I feel better about myself
Because of everything on this list I feel better, and because I am no longer addicted to a lot of the crappy TV shows that I watched I just feel better about myself. Even if I don't want to admit it, I do compare myself to the people I see on TV.
Disclaimer: Truth be told, I do still own a TV, but I had a company block my cable plug, so that it can't receive any TV signals. In Norway we all have to pay a fee to own a TV that can receive a TV signal. I also cancelled my cable TV subscription. The TV is a smart TV and I still use a yoga app and the Spotify app. I sometimes connect the TV screen to my computer to watch an occasional movie.
The only downside to this wonderful experience is that I might have spent a bit more time on social media. So, the next mission for me is to go on a social media detox. It's much needed. I am also considering if I need Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Maybe I could get rid of one of them?
What social media is the one you could not give up, and why?
Susanne
Just don't do a Steem detox...just kidding. I did for the last 4 days. I survived.
Ha ha, NEVER!!
I kicked out the TV when I was a kid, it's been one of those things that I've kept recommending to many people. I'm very happy for you!
That is one responsible kid! :) I will also recommend throwing the TV out. Thank you!
Why would you need any of them if you have Steemit? I say get rid of all of them, Steemit is your new bff....:)
That's something to consider, actually!
TV? What is that thing
Great post and good story. I cut the cord a year and a half ago and since there's less to watch on TV, I don't watch it as much - so good for you!
Nice, hat BTW!
Good on you! :) And thank you.
I'd like to watch less TV. This is inspiring me. (after the Olympics, of course :) )
Ha ha! I totally understand That you Would wait a few weeks.
I don't have a TV either. I think it's not a big deal to get rid of all those dumb TV shows. Best whishes for you and keep on steeming it :) @susanne
Thank you :)
All-in-all, I couldn't give up YouTube because not only do I create content there, I also consume it. I don't have cable either, but I still watch baseball nearly every day on http://MLB.tv --
Also, BTW, I included your post as the obscure pick in my Steemit Daily Roundup for Aug 8, 2016 -- I really dug the post.
Thank you @writewords!! I will check out your content on YouTube.
Social network is something that connects ourselves to others and It is something that makes us interact with people sometimes around the world. It will be hard to give up and as such I do not find any reason to give until and unless it has become an addiction
That is true! I have relatives in the US, and I love how Facebook has connected us.