For a long time, watching television has always been looked down upon, and for considerable reason. For one, it is a mostly passive activity; your brain just isn't actively engaged when binge-watching your favorite series on Netflix. Due to this, it is largely seen as a waste of time.
Surely, you could spend those late night hours doing something more productive! you hear your subconscious mind scold. While this is true, what if I told you that you can create more value from your TV-watching time? Grab your popcorn and settle in on your favorite cushion, while we get into 3 ways you can make watching TV a more productive activity!
1. Watch Documentaries, or other educational content
Now, I'm not talking about some boring old documentary about the extraction of 200 million year old dinosaur fossils (unless you're into that sort of thing, in which case, do you!) There are thousands of documentaries you can choose from a variety of different platforms. The topics range from cooking lifestyle, to astronomy, to historic wars of the 1900's. Even if there's nothing that interests you from the jump, take a chance and dive into a topic you're not familiar with! There's so much to learn, and it can make you more aware of the world you're living in.
This leads me to my next point...
2. Be Analytical; Be Appreciative
I did this recently after watching Season 6 of Orange is the New Black. From afar, it's a raunchy series about dirty-mouthed women that like to slap each other over commissary pudding. But from another perspective, it's a heart-wrenching story about the mass incarceration of minorities in the U.S., the ever-presence of white privilege, and the harsh truths of the old adage, "an eye for an eye".
There is something to take away from any form of entertainment, if you look hard enough. If you want, you can even take a moment to appreciate the writers for crafting their story. Sit through the ending credits in a moment of silence for the great work you just experienced.
3. Make the main character a source of inspiration
This is probably the case of most plots: the protagonist is living their ordinary life, when they run into a big problem. This problem exposes their flaws, and the protagonist battles against themselves before they can tackle the problem that shook their world in the first place. In the end, the day is saved and pigs can fly (Unless your main character doesn't end up with a happy ending...but even then, my point still stands).
The protagonist of your favorite TV show likely goes through many struggles; and this in turn chisels them into a better version of their previous selves. You see this transformation while you watch the screen from your couch! (or bed, or floor... or however people like to Net their Flix these days...)
So, I challenge you to live your life like the main character of a TV show. Learn from your mistakes and challenges, and use this invaluable information to craft yourself into a better you.
.
.
.
Now, I'm NOT endorsing the act of watching TV all day. These tips can transcend the confines of your television box. In fact, they can be applied to pretty much any source of entertainment out there! Music, movies, video games, books... and more.
Also, don't feel pressure to follow these tips whenever you're trying to enjoy your downtime. Sometimes it's nice to just sit back after a long day and watch an episode of The Office without worrying about being productive. In fact, nothing is truly a waste of time if it adds positive value to your life.
With that being said, have fun enjoying your next show!
No comments:
Post a Comment