When you are stuck indoors for a long time, it is very easy to fall into the habit of binge watching shows. With so much time on your hands and endless entertainment available at your fingertips, it is tempting to just keep clicking play and watch episode after episode. But binge watching can take up a lot of your day, make you feel tired, and sometimes even leave you feeling a bit empty or unproductive. The good news is that there are many simple and practical ways to avoid binge watching and still enjoy your time indoors without feeling like you are wasting it.
One of the first things you can do is set a clear plan for your day. Instead of letting your day drift from one show to the next, try to write down what you want to do each hour. You can include things like reading a book, doing a puzzle, cooking a meal, or even just taking a walk around your home. When you have a plan, it is easier to stick to it and not get lost in hours of TV. You can also set a timer for how long you want to watch something. For example, decide that you will watch only one episode and then do something else. When the timer goes off, stop watching and move on to your next activity.
Another helpful tip is to keep your phone or tablet away from you while you are watching. It is easy to get distracted by notifications or to start scrolling through social media, which can make you lose track of time. If you put your devices in another room or turn off notifications, you are less likely to get pulled into endless scrolling or watching more than you planned. You can also use apps that limit your screen time or block certain websites and streaming services after a set amount of time. These tools can help you stay in control and not spend too much time watching shows.
It is also a good idea to find other activities that you enjoy. If you only think about watching TV when you are bored, it is easy to fall into the habit of binge watching. But if you have a list of other things you like to do, such as drawing, writing, playing music, or doing a craft, you can switch to those activities when you feel the urge to watch another episode. You can even try learning something new, like a language or a skill, by using online courses or videos. This way, you are still using your time indoors in a positive way, but you are not stuck in front of the screen.
Another way to avoid binge watching is to set up a schedule for your entertainment. Instead of watching whenever you feel like it, decide on specific times of the day when you will watch something. For example, you might say that you will watch a show only after you have finished a certain task or only during your lunch break. This helps you create boundaries and makes it easier to stop when you need to. You can also try watching with a friend or family member who is also indoors. When you watch together, you are more likely to talk about the show and take breaks, which can help you avoid watching too much at once.
It is important to pay attention to how you feel when you are watching. If you notice that you are feeling tired, restless, or bored, it might be a sign that you have been watching for too long. When you feel this way, take a break and do something different. You can stretch, go outside for a few minutes, or just sit quietly and relax. Sometimes, just stepping away from the screen for a short time can help you feel refreshed and ready to do something else.
You can also try to make your watching experience more active instead of passive. Instead of just sitting and watching, you can do something while you watch, like knitting, coloring, or even light exercise. This way, you are still enjoying the show, but you are also moving your body and staying engaged. You can also try to watch shows that are shorter or have fewer episodes, so you are less likely to get caught up in a long series. If you do want to watch a longer show, you can set a goal for how many episodes you will watch each day and stick to it.
Another useful strategy is to keep a journal of what you watch and how much time you spend doing it. Writing down your habits can help you see patterns and make changes if you need to. For example, if you notice that you are watching more than you planned, you can adjust your schedule or try a different activity. You can also use your journal to write down how you feel after watching, so you can see if it is helping you relax or if it is making you feel worse.
It is also helpful to think about why you want to avoid binge watching. Maybe you want to have more time for other things, feel more productive, or just take better care of yourself. When you have a clear reason, it is easier to stay motivated and make changes. You can also remind yourself of the benefits of not binge watching, like having more energy, feeling less tired, and being able to focus on other activities.
Finally, be kind to yourself if you slip up. It is normal to have days when you watch more than you planned, especially when you are stuck indoors. Instead of feeling guilty, just try again the next day. You can learn from your experience and make small changes to help you do better. The most important thing is to keep trying and find what works best for you.
