All of us are guilty of giving into the deep, dark, riveting black hole of Netflix. According to Netflix, its subscribers watch 140 million hours of content on average per day! There’s just so much to watch. Even before you’re done with one show, three more come out. It’s a never-ending cycle designed to loop you into a movie marathon and abandoning other commitments.
People often considered binge-watching as a form of self-care. But is it really? Movies and TV shows are an incredible art form that allows you to delve into conversations, ideas and cultures that you might not get to experience in real life.
But there is no fiction in the world that can replace real life. And that’s something we need to realise. If your free time is spent holed up in the corner with eyes glued to the screen, give us permission to intervene. Here’s are a few things you can do instead of Netflixing.
1. Throw a dinner party
Invite your friends and family over for dinner. Socialising has shown to improve mood and instil positive feelings.
So it’s time to put on your chef’s hat and cook up a storm for your guests.
2. Call your mum
Did you forget to call back your mum again? While being busy at work is a valid excuse, catching up on the latest season of The Crown isn’t. You should give a call to your siblings or other loved ones. In this age of texting, it feels nice to have an actual conversation.
3. Find a new hobby
Somehow being adults makes us too busy to do something just for pure enjoyment. Yes, clicking on the next episode will bring you joy, but it’s temporary. Why don’t you sign up for a class? Brush up on your piano skills, learn how to cook, try pottery- the sky’s the limit.
4. Watch a comedy show
If the Netflix comedy specials make you laugh out loud, imagine what a riot it would be watching it live. Some well-known comedians are going on tour in 2020, including Trevor Noah, Jack Whitehall, Russel Howard and Daniel Sloss. Book your tickets!
5. Try working out
Watching TV shows for hours and hours directly impacts your health. Set a limit to the number of episodes you watch in a day and spend the rest of the time doing some physical activities. It’s not necessary to go to the gym. You can go on a hike or take a walk around the block.
6. Run errands
Have you accumulated a pile of recycling? Do you need to drop your clothes at the dry cleaners? Does your leaking tap need fixing?
Make a to-do list of all the errands that you’ve been avoiding forever. Get out of your blanket cocoon and get all of it done. Trust us, it will take much less time than you think.
7. Sleep
So you gave in to the temptation and clicked on ‘continue watching’ and now you’re exhausted at work. Is any show or movie worth negatively impacting your productivity at work?
Do yourself some kindness and sleep. Give your mind and body a chance to rest and restore. Netflix isn’t going anywhere, you can watch it later.
8. Go on a date
Your Mr Right or Ms Right isn’t going to break down your apartment door to meet you. You have to go on actual dates to connect with people. Pluck up the courage and ask out that person you’ve been crushing on since ages. It’s time to love again.
9. Clean
Use your free time to wash the clothes piling up at the bottom of your bed. While you’re at it, tidy up your flat as well.
10. Go to a concert
There’s nothing that compares to singing on the top of your lungs at a concert. American heavy metal band Slipknot is playing the Manchester Arena in February, check it out.
For the sake of your mental and physical health and overall growth, please give your screens a break!
