How to Say No to Netflix
I cancelled my Netflix account the other day and while the reality of this may not hit me until I realize I can't watch a show that everyone is talking about, I'm glad I did it.
I discovered recently that I'd gotten in the habit of watching something on Netflix before going to bed every night. Even if I had already finished what I really wanted to watch and I didn't have anything else specific in mind, I would find something to watch instead of finding something else to do.
This bothers me because I used to do other things before bed and also on rainy days - read, do yoga, write in my journal, etc. I want to fill my extra time doing something mindFUL, not mindLESS. This also applies to other times of the day as well, not just those few hours before falling asleep. On the days when it's not nice enough to go out and hike or skate, or if my body just isn't feeling up for physical activity, I would still like to spend my time doing things that bring value to my mind and soul.
Here are 5 things to consider as alternatives to watching Netflix when you're feeling lazy and tempted to just veg out in front of your TV/computer:
1. Find a Good Book to Read
I understand that reading isn't everyone's cup of tea but you should at least give it a try if you haven't read a good book in a while. Finding a book that you will actually enjoy and hopefully get sucked into is the key. If you pick up a book and after the first few pages it hasn't captured you, try to find one that does. Maybe ask around and see if your friends or family could suggest one to you.
2. Write Something
I personally enjoy writing in a journal, even if it's just a tiny bit about how I've been feeling lately. I think it's interesting to go back and read later, and sometimes it helps me when I'm upset to just put it into words and onto paper. It's like when you cry it out and feel better afterwards. If keeping a journal isn't your thing, maybe try writing poetry or even just jotting down what's been on your mind.
3. Workout/Do Yoga/Go for a Walk
It may seem odd to have this here since most people watch Netflix when they're tired and don't feel like doing anything, but if you can muster up the motivation to even just do a few simple body weight exercises you won't regret it. Even if I only do a few push-ups, crunches, lunges and squats I always feel great afterwards and it motivates me to do it again another day. Yoga is wonderful to do before bed or in the morning. You can find free yoga videos on Youtube that are specifically designed to help you wind down and relax or wake up and feel invigorated. Yoga is also very beneficial for your flexibility and overall well-being.
4. Draw/Paint
Drawing and painting have always intimidated me because I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I'm afraid I'll mess up or I won't like it when I'm finished but I'm trying to learn to just go with the flow. It can be really meditative and relaxing to focus on whatever you're drawing or painting and let your creative juices flow. Bonus - you end up with a picture when you're done!
5. Create Something
I recently started making jewelry and wire wrapping crystals and it's so fun and fulfilling! Not only am I learning something, but when I'm finished I have something to appreciate and use myself, or to give to someone else. Think of a hobby or craft you've been wanting to try and go for it!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them!
I discovered recently that I'd gotten in the habit of watching something on Netflix before going to bed every night. Even if I had already finished what I really wanted to watch and I didn't have anything else specific in mind, I would find something to watch instead of finding something else to do.
This bothers me because I used to do other things before bed and also on rainy days - read, do yoga, write in my journal, etc. I want to fill my extra time doing something mindFUL, not mindLESS. This also applies to other times of the day as well, not just those few hours before falling asleep. On the days when it's not nice enough to go out and hike or skate, or if my body just isn't feeling up for physical activity, I would still like to spend my time doing things that bring value to my mind and soul.
Here are 5 things to consider as alternatives to watching Netflix when you're feeling lazy and tempted to just veg out in front of your TV/computer:
1. Find a Good Book to Read
I understand that reading isn't everyone's cup of tea but you should at least give it a try if you haven't read a good book in a while. Finding a book that you will actually enjoy and hopefully get sucked into is the key. If you pick up a book and after the first few pages it hasn't captured you, try to find one that does. Maybe ask around and see if your friends or family could suggest one to you.
2. Write Something
I personally enjoy writing in a journal, even if it's just a tiny bit about how I've been feeling lately. I think it's interesting to go back and read later, and sometimes it helps me when I'm upset to just put it into words and onto paper. It's like when you cry it out and feel better afterwards. If keeping a journal isn't your thing, maybe try writing poetry or even just jotting down what's been on your mind.
3. Workout/Do Yoga/Go for a Walk
It may seem odd to have this here since most people watch Netflix when they're tired and don't feel like doing anything, but if you can muster up the motivation to even just do a few simple body weight exercises you won't regret it. Even if I only do a few push-ups, crunches, lunges and squats I always feel great afterwards and it motivates me to do it again another day. Yoga is wonderful to do before bed or in the morning. You can find free yoga videos on Youtube that are specifically designed to help you wind down and relax or wake up and feel invigorated. Yoga is also very beneficial for your flexibility and overall well-being.
4. Draw/Paint
Drawing and painting have always intimidated me because I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I'm afraid I'll mess up or I won't like it when I'm finished but I'm trying to learn to just go with the flow. It can be really meditative and relaxing to focus on whatever you're drawing or painting and let your creative juices flow. Bonus - you end up with a picture when you're done!
5. Create Something
I recently started making jewelry and wire wrapping crystals and it's so fun and fulfilling! Not only am I learning something, but when I'm finished I have something to appreciate and use myself, or to give to someone else. Think of a hobby or craft you've been wanting to try and go for it!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them!
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