50 Healthy Activities to Do Instead of Watching TV
What many people do in their free time and define as a hobby is watching TV. Sometimes you can’t wait to binge-watch your favorite Netflix series. It simply feels relaxing and entertaining.
Watching TV is not bad in any matter as long as you find balance. However, there're so many healthier things to do in your free time instead of watching TV.
Find healthier activities to do in your free time than watching TV.
What to Do Instead of Watching TV
Watching TV is often the easiest thing you can do after coming back from work.
You’re exhausted from the pressure at the office. You want to stop thinking about work and feel the workday being over.
So what do you do? You turn on the TV.
There’s no judgment here: watching TV distracts you from your current problems and drama. So, in this matter, it’s good.
However, if you spend all your time watching TV, you miss many entertaining, health-related, and productive activities.
If you want to make the most out of your time, here are some activities to help you unwind without watching TV.
Productive activities
Being productive in your free time may sound like doing some extra work which is not very tempting after a long day.
However, those activities help you do a productive thing you enjoy. At the same time, you’re doing something good for yourself without feeling it like an extra job.
Remember, those are just suggestions. Pick your favorites or come up with your own.
The idea is to find other hobbies and stuff to do in your spare time besides watching TV.
Plan your day/ week.
Planning your tasks and schedule helps you get the most out of your day. A good plan is often the first and most crucial element of success.
Start reading a book.
There are so many helpful books you can learn from or read some fictional literature for entertainment.
Reading books is both entertaining and educating.
The idea for many of your favorite Netflix shows comes from novels. Any Queen’s Gambit or Bridgerton fans?
Give those series a read, and you might be surprised to enjoy the book way more than the movie.
Read the news or an article.
Knowing what’s happening in the world helps you predict, make evidence-based decisions, and overall stay informed.
You might also have a favorite blog (like Thrive While Smiling) you like to check for some wellness inspiration.
Listen to a podcast.
Podcasts are today's radio shows. Choose some topics you’re interested in and learn from industry experts and social figures.
Plan your workouts for the week.
If you have a fitness goal or simply want to live healthier incorporating more movement is essential.
Planning is a big part of actually doing something and achieving a goal.
So, plan your workouts for the upcoming week. See when you have time, how many times you can work out, how long the sessions will be, etc. Plan the details for success.
Plan your meals and block time for prepping
Plan your meals for the week. Use the extra time you have to think of what you want to eat and how you can build it into a nutritious and balanced meal.
Also, block some time on your calendar for meal prepping. This way, you make healthy food a convenient and easy choice.
Make a grocery list
After you’ve planned your meals, make a grocery list with all the products you’ll need. This way, you will save some time without going multiple times to the store because you forgot to buy something.
Cook
Prepare your nutritious meals for the week and make yourself a delicious dinner.
Cook something delicious or prepare your meals for the week.
Go through your favorite cookbooks and blogs and pick a few recipes you always wanted to try.
Food can be so exciting. Experiment with new recipes at least once every couple of weeks.
Decorate your home.
I bet you’ve seen a new home decor or DIY idea on Pinterest. Incorporate it into your home and make it feel like your dream house.
Make a Pinterest vision/ wish board.
If you like to make plans, you can create a Pinterest board for your next trip or summer closet.
If you’re a dreamer, make a vision board with your life a year from now. It’s like visualizing your goals.
So, whenever you feel down or unmotivated, take a look at it. It will remind you where you want to go.
You can also follow me on Pinterest for wellness inspiration.
Write a bucket list
Write a list of all the things you want to do.
You might even write stuff you already did. Crossing some of the points is so satisfying.
Come back to it every monthly quarter to see what you can do in the foreseeable future.
Clean your phone from unused apps.
Uninstall any applications you have not used in a while on your phone. It’s like a spring clean for your phone.
Clean your email and unsubscribe from email lists you don’t read.
Do you have a 4-digit number badge on your mail app? It’s likely because you subscribe to newsletters you don’t read.
And sometimes, amongst so many emails, you might miss the important ones.
Open your email and see which newsletter you read and enjoy. Unsubscribe from the ones that just add up to the unread emails.
Beauty activities
Doing a little something for your appearance can cheer you up. You might discover a new make-up trend that suits your face or a lazy way to get the perfect wavy curls.
Take a bubble bath
Create a relaxing environment to unwind your mind.
A bubble bath relaxes your body and helps your mind unwind.
Don’t forget to throw a bubble bomb for extra bubbles and light a candle for a relaxing atmosphere.
Do a face/ hair mask.
Taking some extra care for your hair (like a hair mask) can result in longer and stronger hair. Take a look at my favorite natural hair masks.
A face mask opens your pores and gives you clean and glowing skin. I always look to try different ones as they have various benefits for your skin.
Make a manicure/ pedicure.
Beautiful hands and nails are part of every good-looking woman. Take good care of yourself. You can make a professional manicure and pedicure at home or go to your favorite salon.
Learn how to do a new hairstyle.
Find a few looks you want to recreate for workdays or that special event you’re going to. Watch some videos and repeat them step-by-step.
Physical activities
Movement is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Also, movement is so much more than workouts. Look for some ways to move your body that you will love.
Go for a walk
Walking is a form of cardio - the easiest and also pretty effective. Set a daily step goal and walk for it.
Do a workout
Go to the gym or do a quick home workout you want to try.
Clean and organize your home.
There’s always something you can clean or declutter in your home. Change your closet to the spring and summer outfits, organize your fridge, and clean your cupboards.
Look for hikes in your area.
Hiking is a great way to move your body and spend some time in nature. You can explore the area and find some local gems.
Let your inner adventurer and start exploring the local area.
Join a fitness group class
Kickboxing, Kangoo jumps, pilates, boot camps, etc. The list of fitness goals is constantly updating, and if you have your eye on something, give it a go and try it.
Do some mobility exercises and stretches.
Many gym enthusiasts neglect mobility because all they think about is lifting heavier. However, mobility and stretching improve your form and support your recovery. So, don’t miss them.
Gardening
Gardening is another activity that gets you closer to nature. Even if you don’t have a garden, you can put some plants on your balcony or inside your house. Take care of them so your home can be cozier.
Play with your pet
No matter how many times per day you walk your dog or play with your cat, your pet might want some more of your precious time.
Instead of watching TV, give your attention to your baby and spend some quality time with it.
Activities to do with friends
It’s good to do things on your own. But it’s even better to share them with your friends.
Cook a meal together.
Cooking is an activity you can do great alone. But when you share it with friends, it just tastes better.
Do a picnic or BBQ.
Go out, shop for all the ingredients you need, and prepare a delicious BBQ or an afternoon picnic.
Picnics let you spend some time outside with your favorite people.
Host a dinner/ afternoon party.
Invite your friends to an afternoon or dinner party to catch up and have some fun. You can even make it a theme party like afternoon tea.
Join a charity organization.
Every person has a cause he supports.
You might go to the local shelter to play with some dogs and kitties. Another idea is to spend some time at the retirement home while talking to seniors.
Choose something you and your friends care about and show up for it once a month.
Do a board game/ trivia night.
Pick your favorite board game, do a trivia night, invite some friends, and it’s a party.
Go out for a dessert.
Choose your favorite dessert place and take your girls to a sweet treat.
Go to a concert/ theater.
Enjoy your favorite musician, singer, band, or performance.
Go to a spa day with the girls.
Pamper yourself with some massages while catching up with your girlfriends.
Go out to dance.
Dancing is another fun way to move your body while spending time with friends.
Call or write to a friend or family member you haven’t heard from in a while.
Unfortunately, every person has a personal life, and sometimes your paths separate. You end up living away from each other.
But modern technology makes connecting with people so easy.
All you need is to press one button, and you’re already speaking with someone who is miles away.
Go stargazing
Look for spots away from the city and with minimal light pollution. Take a blanket, snacks, and a bug spray and enjoy the magical sky.
Learning activities
Even if you’ve already finished school and college, you might realize that learning is a lifetime activity.
Pick a new hobby
Having a hobby makes your life much more exciting. You finish work and can’t wait to start doing your favorite thing that brings you to enjoy and helps your mind unwind.
Sign up for an online course
Nowadays, online courses are the best place for education. The topics are numerous, and you learn from the people that have already achieved your goals.
Read a study you’ve been interested in
Is there something you’ve been curious about and always say you don’t have enough time to research?
Well, without so much TV, now you do. Dive deep into the world of knowledge.
Research a topic you’re passionate about
Research the real estate market, some stocks you want to invest in, nutrition trends, etc.
Find the creator in you.
Every person is a creator. Find which creations light a fire in your soul.
Let your brain wander and explore the numerous ideas that come to your mind.
Financial activities
Being financially responsible is part of adult life. Not a fun one, for sure, but something you better know more about
Set financial goals and plan how to achieve them.
Start budgeting.
Budgeting can help you save money.
First, start with writing all your expenses - living, bills, subscriptions, etc. See which one you don’t need or might reduce.
You might realize you pay for many subscriptions you don’t use.
You can budget using a spreadsheet, notepad, or an app.
Look for ways to make more money.
If you want to have multiple income streams, look for ways to make some extra money.
Some ideas are investing in stocks, real estate, selling an online product or service, and working for a side gig app.
Self-care activities
One of the most important things you can do in your free time is self-care. It helps you reduce stress, burn out, and live a healthier and more mindful life.
Self-care activities have the power to improve your overall quality of life.
Meditate
Try meditating a few times a week, even for 5 minutes. It helps you stop for a moment and be present.
Journal
Journaling is a great way, to be honest with yourself. Express your greatest insecurities and dreams without anyone judging you.
Practice saying affirmations
Affirmations are a great way to raise your vibration or start your day on a positive note.
Develop a morning routine for a productive start to the day
A morning routine can set your whole day for success. Find the activities you can fit into your schedule and feel aligned with you.
Develop a night routine for a stress-free environment and better sleep
Good sleep is another essential part of a healthy lifestyle. It helps you recover and show up as the best version of yourself the next day.
Develop a night routine that will help you get some high-quality sleep.
Spend time in nature.
The more time you spend in nature, the better you will feel. Nature helps you slow down and enjoy the moment. Even observing nature from your balcony has a positive impact on your mind.
How to Watch Less TV
It’s great that you set yourself to reduce TV watching in your free time. But how to do it?
Pick one show you’re currently watching. Watch only one episode per day. This way you will enjoy the show even more.
Pick a certain block of time to watch TV. This way, your brain will know that TV time is not all the time.
Find activities (use the list above) that you love and start practicing them.
Try to be more social and go out with friends or invite them for dinner.
What to Do Instead of Watching TV at Night
It’s so tempting to turn on the TV after dinner. You finished with all the tasks for the day, and all you want is to relax. How can you unwind without TV?
Go for a walk. It’s great to take a 10-minute walk after eating.
If you have a partner, spend some quality time together - talk about plans or share some stories from your childhood.
Take a long bath.
Make this the time for your self-care routine. It can be some beauty habits or meditating, journaling, etc.
Start doing your night routine for better sleep.
There are so many other healthier activities you can do instead of watching TV.
What to Do Instead of Watching TV While Eating
Watching TV while eating is something we accept as typical.
However, watching TV is still a distraction. Your primary focus should be on your meal, not your favorite show. It is one of the reasons why you overeat and can’t tell when you’re full.
Turn off the TV and put all your attention on your food. Tune into your hunger and satiety cues. It supports both your nutrition and fitness goals.
Negative impacts of watching TV
While you might think that watching TV only helps you relax, that’s not always true. It hurts a few aspects of your life.
Mental health
Even if it helps your mind relax for a while, that’s a short-term effect.
If you watch TV for too long, you might experience brain damage in your senior years.
Physical health
Watching TV is a sedentary activity.
If you already have an office job, you sit on a chair for at least 8 hours a day. Coming back home to sit again might not be the best idea for your physical health.
It’s good to set a daily goal of at least 6-8k steps. While working out is great, you might need some extra movement if you have a sedentary job.
Relationships
Watching TV makes you less social.
Even though sometimes you might gather with friends to watch a game or a movie, that’s not the case every day.
Instead of being home by yourself, make memories with your friends and family.
Find the balance
As in many other aspects of your life, the key is to find the balance.
Watching TV is in no way all bad. It’s simply not the only thing you can do in your free time.
Find the healthy amount of time for you to watch TV. Look for other activities to do in your free time, too.
Find the healthy balance you want in your life. Gain the most out of your free time while using TV to entertain yourself.
Start small
When you want to initiate a change, start with a small daily action you can easily stick to. After being consistent for a while, set some new goals.
For example, you’re currently watching 3 TV shows per day. Reduce it to only two.
In your extra free time, pick an activity you will enjoy.
If you stick to this goal for a week, you can reduce it to one show per day. Therefore, pick one more activity to add to your free time.
Relax without Watching TV
For sure, watching TV is a way to relax. But is it the only one?
Of course, not. While many of the activity suggestions above support you to be more productive and active, you can pick some that help you relax.
All the beauty and self-care activities help you unwind after a stressful day at work.
Build your relaxing TV-free routine and start doing it daily. You will see many physical and mental health benefits.
Conclusion
Watching TV is a big part of modern people's life. With so many TV shows and streaming services, it’s almost impossible to avoid TV all the time.
However, you have the power to choose what other healthier activities you can do instead of watching TV.
You might want to be more productive, financially responsible, take better self-care, or overall live healthier.
Whatever it is, you will find an activity you enjoy in the list above.
Remember that the key to every change is to start small. Pick a certain time of the day to watch TV and stick with it.
Your new activities will have a positive impact on your whole life.
I hope this article motivated you to keep going with your wellness journey with more confidence.
Also, let me know about your nutrition and wellness struggles in the comments below or fill out my survey. Once I know what bothers you, I will put an end to it.
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