The top 10 benefits of living without television
Do you think you can’t live without your electronic companion, the television? Do you think getting rid of the television would leave your life empty and meaningless? On the contrary, living without television can be much more peaceful, pleasant, healthy and happy. You can imagine…?
1. You miss all the attack ads during election season.
I didn’t see a single attack ad in the last election, not a single one! negativity distortions. The lies. I missed it all. It was almost as fun as missing out on the negativity, lies, and distortions of the daily news. Instead, I researched the topics that I thought were important. If you found attack ads annoying during the past election, perhaps you could consider ditching your TV for at least the next election season.
2. Your mind is freed from commercial jingles.
I no longer have annoying commercial jingles in my brain. I remember how annoying it used to be, when I had a TV. I very much enjoy the tranquility that comes with the absence of it. All you need to enjoy this peace of mind is to get rid of your TV.
3. The holidays are considerably less stressful.
I can tell that the “holiday season” has started because of the store displays. Otherwise, I am almost completely cut off from the annoying orgy of materialistic hoopla, urging me to buy, buy, buy. In fact, all vacations are more enjoyable without television. Easter, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, New Years and all other holidays are much less stressful.
4. You and your children can become addicted to LEARNING.
A couple of weeks ago, I taught my 6-year-old son how to do a worm hunt online. Next, he wanted to learn about birds, frogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and snails. He searches online and reads as many books as he can get his hands on. Like my son, he also uses the Internet to research and explore ideas and interests.
Some people all the educational value of television. My experience is that TV doesn’t even begin to compare to books and the Internet when it comes to learning. However, don’t take my word for it. Try this for yourself.
5. Your kids will stop scolding you for things they see in commercials.
My kids aren’t always angels, but since we got rid of the TV, they don’t nag about things like they used to. Also, when I get them toys, they play with them a lot more. His toys are best suited to his interests. Also, the commercials, those Pied Pipers of materialism, no longer steer them away from the toys they already own towards the new “newer/bigger” toys.
6. You can steer your family away from soft drinks and other junk foods.
Soft drinks are one of the main culprits in the obesity epidemic. I weaned my kids off soda. Once they got away from the soda commercials for a while, I just started avoiding that island in the supermarket. From time to time they receive a soft drink as a gift. However, now when they are thirsty, they ask for water.
Also, when they are bored, they play. The exercise plus the lack of refreshments helps keep them fitter. If you’re struggling to keep your kids fit, getting rid of your TV can make the task a lot easier.
7. You’ll lose track of the latest escapades of Paris Hilton and other notable celebrities.
Without a television, I am happily insulated from the circus of celebrities. Honestly, I didn’t even know who Paris Hilton was until a friend mentioned his name on a forum. When it comes to celebrities, ignorance really is bliss. I have much better things to do with my time and energy. I’m sure you are too.
8. Don’t worry about how sex and violence on TV might affect your family.
It’s just not a problem. I don’t need to write to my representative in Congress to ask the government to fix the problem or even care about the problem. That problem evaporated when I got rid of our family television. Personally, I only think about this problem insofar as it relates to my website. In that sense, the problem is getting worse, but only IF you have a TV.
9. You don’t mind the trash on TV.
Someone recently emailed me after getting extremely frustrated and upset by the content on TV. He did a search for “TV sucks” and somehow found my site. He sent me a note about how “TV sucks!”
It’s true, TV sucks. It can be tempting to rant and rave about trash on TV, but that also takes time and energy. The solution is simple: don’t get angry; just get rid of the damn TV. Your life will instantly become calm and more enjoyable.
10. You find the time to pursue your dreams.
After getting rid of my TV, I found myself chasing old dreams that I had let go of over time. Now I am close to realizing a dream that I originally thought would take me a lifetime to achieve. If you’ve ever said, “I don’t have time to chase my dreams,” turn off your TV and time will appear like magic.
Try it yourself
It may be hard to believe that there are such benefits to living without television. If any of these benefits sound appealing, give it a try. Don’t take my word for it. Get rid of your television for a month and you will see how your life improves. You may see some of these benefits right away or you may be required to go through a one week withdrawal period. By the end of the month, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised by the improvements.