How to watch less tv
How I did it: I really struggled with this as TV is my biggest addiction. But I knew that it was eating me alive. So I psyched myself up for a while, setting a date for the end of my TV watching (all based around a storyline on Eastenders). Once this came about, I took the plunge and cancelled the cable. the first week was really hard, and I spent too much time on youtube and also watching bad terrestrial tv. But then I started to do other things like go out, or read a book. We subscribed to a DVD service so we still have movies to watch once in a while, and I chose one or two programmes on tv which i allowed myself to watch. I made a point of putting music on when I came home so that TV wasn't just a chatter substitute. And when I'm making dinner now I try and set the table while cooking so that we get out of the habit of eating in front of the tv - hard not to turn it on when you're right in front of it! So pleased I've done it now - my life doesn't feel any less filled or interesting, and I have more time now to get things done. Hurray!!
Lessons & tips: 1. Get rid of your cable
2. Choose programmes you can't live without and either rent them on DVD or watch them online/download
3. Find books or things you really like to read/do instead: don't replace tv immediately with things that are serious and hard - that will just make you want to watch tv again!
4. Turn on music when you get home so you don't just have telly on for comfort
5. Set the table while making dinner so that you don't end up watching tv while eating despite yourself
6. Discover a life beyond TV!
