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Want to Feel Happier? Is it Time to Put Yourself on a TV Diet?
TV is harmless entertainment. Or is it?
The "average" person spends hours a day, sitting in front of one, all of us
assuming that it's not a problem. In fact, after sleeping, it's often the next
biggest block of time in our day.
Yet in a world where we are feeling overloaded, stressed out and are bombarded
with bad news and hard sell advertising, is it really such a good idea to be
opening ourselves up to even more unfiltered messages?
Let's start by looking at the myths.
"TV is harmless"
This one depends how we define "harmless". The dictionary defines the word as
"having no adverse effect; not likely to offend or provoke strong emotion."
Yet how often do we watch television and feel miserable afterwards?
These days there is so much bad news; hyped and spin-doctored to make us react
emotionally. Then we've got the overload of crime dramas, full of gory details
that are intended to shock and scare. Add to that the general level of
negativity in many soap operas and it's easy to feel wound up after an evening
of programmes, topped off by the news and then the latest crime investigation
drama or high-profile documentary.
Is that really so harmless?
Outside of the imaginary world of TV and our sofas, in our "real-world"
existence, would we really choose to spend hours a day doing something that
leaves us feeling miserable, tense, stressed and even angry?
"But TV helps me relax"
Does it? Really?
As a meditation teacher trainee, we were regularly taught what relaxation really
means. It's about relaxing the body and mind, whilst staying alert. And it's a
process that takes effort and concentration.
Whereas, slumped on the sofa, we stare at the TV, half "zoned out", almost
zombie-like, unaware of what is going on around us. How many times have you
tried to talk to someone who is transfixed by a programme, only to realise they
are completely unaware of you. That's not relaxation, that's being in a
trance-like state.
Research has shown that watching television can cause our metabolic rate to drop
even lower than if we were just resting, which has implications for long-term
health and weight problems.
The other issue is that this trance-like state is very similar to that
deliberately created by hypnotherapists, so they can bypass the filters of our
conscious, rational mind, and get messages directly into our subconscious mind,
with minimal resistance or analysis.
But they're trained professionals. Do we really want to let advertisers, news
broadcasters and TV producers do the same thing? We are consuming these messages
at a deeply unconscious level, without even thinking about it.
"What else would I do?"
We are all so used to sitting in front of the TV that the thought of doing
something different can send us into a state of panic.
For many it conjures up images of old maids sitting in high-backed arm chairs,
doing embroidery by firelight.
But it doesn't have to be that way.
Think about the things you love doing - the kind of stuff that feeds your soul.
I was on a course recently where we asked ourselves that exact question. And,
out of a crowded room, none of us mentioned TV. In fact, pretty much everything
that came up can't be done while watching TV.
People said they love singing, dancing, reading, walks in nature, massages,
cooking, eating with friends and family, gardening, exercising, playing with
their kids, talking with their partner and the list went on.
But if we're spending our evenings in front of the TV, that leaves so much less
time for the things that really bring us pleasure and recharge our batteries.
So putting yourself on a TV diet could be a great way of clearing the back-log
on your "to do" list and creating space for the things you enjoy most, leaving
you less stressed and more energised.
"But won't I get out of touch?"
If you want to know what's going on in the news, set aside time every few days
to catch the headlines on a reputable online news service, such as the BBC. If
the news affects you, it's worth avoiding the radio news too. By reading it
online, you can pick and choose which articles you read and aren't bombarded
with as much negativity.
As for other programmes, it's up to you. If you know they're getting you down,
you'll have to make a choice between feeling down, but knowing what was going on
in them, or feeling happy and not being involved.
"Do I Have To Go Cold Turkey?" No!
How about keeping a log - for a week - of the programmes you watch and how your
mood is afterwards? Do you feel happy, cheerful, relaxed, irritated, frustrated,
bored, angry? That will make it easy for you to spot the kind of programmes that
could be causing you a problem.
Then wean yourself off them. If the news is winding you up, avoid it.
If it's soap operas or drama, then don't watch. You'd be surprised how quickly
you get to the stage of no longer caring who is doing what to whom... And if
you're into reading all about it in magazines as well, you might need to give
them a break for a while.
If you really feel you can't give up TV, even just for a few weeks, then make
sure you become a conscious consumer. Just as we watch what goes into our food,
so we need to be aware of the other things we consume - what we read, watch and
listen to. You've always got the option of finding out what's on and planning
your viewing around things that you know will bring beauty and laughter into
your life.
And in your TV-free time, you can plan activities that you know you'll look
forward to. It won't take long for you to notice you're not really missing
television.
The effects of a TV diet
• You'll feel happier, because you're not taking in as much unfiltered negativity.
• You'll have more energy, because you'll be more active.
• You'll feel less stressed, because you'll be getting more done and your "to
do" list will feel manageable.
• You'll enjoy life more, because you'll be deliberately spending time doing
things you love doing.
• Your relationships will improve, because you'll be spending time together
communicating, rather than just slumped in front of the TV.
Only you can decide how much of a role you want television to play in your life.
My invitation to you is to become a conscious consumer, choosing what to watch,
and enjoying life to the full in every moment that the TV is turned off. A great
recipe for happiness.
If you'd like some happiness quick fixes, there are great, easy techniques you
can apply right now, to start feeling happier in less than 5 minutes.
Claim your copy of 5 Secrets To Feeling Happier Now" by going to
http://www.howtofeelhappier.com
and looking for the sign up box in the top right hand corner.
From Clare Josa, author, seminar leader and expert coach for How To Feel Happier
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clare_Josa
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