6 Steps to Removing TV from Your Life

Many of us have grown up with television as a constant fixture in our lives. From Sunday morning cartoons to prime-time dramas, we’ve experienced the thrill of tuning into our favorite shows week after week. Yet, as much as we may cherish these memories, there comes a time when we have to ask ourselves: is TV really worth it?

In a recent article on her blog, Celestine Chua outlined 10 reasons to stop watching TV, and was surprised to read how many readers shared her sentiments. Many had already removed or reduced TV from their lives and expressed how it had improved their overall quality of life.

If you’re ready to cut the cord and spend your time on things that matter, here are 6 steps on how to remove TV from your life:

1. Replace TV with something new

For any successful habit change to take place, you have to replace the old habit with something new. With TV no longer a part of your life, you’ll suddenly have a lot more free time on your hands. Why not start up a new business, hang out with friends or take up a new class? The possibilities are endless.

2. Unsubscribe from cable

Being subscribed to cable TV makes you feel compelled to keep watching, so as to maximize the value of your subscription. However, if you’re serious about removing TV from your life, unsubscribe immediately. Not only do you get a big chunk of your life back, but you also save money in the process.

3. Limit your TV viewing

If cutting TV out immediately is a big stretch, start off by limiting your TV viewing. If you’re a heavy TV viewer, limit it to two hours a day first. Then go down to 1.5 hours, then slowly one hour, and then 30 minutes. Soon it’ll be easy to just stop watching altogether.

4. Watch past shows

After you decide to stop watching TV, stop catching new shows. Instead, watch past shows that are still running, such as via DVD. With the ending of the “old” shows, it also ends your TV viewing.

5. Store your TV away

If throwing away your TV is too drastic, store it away. One of Chua’s readers grew up TV-free because her parents didn’t want her to grow up around the negative influence of TV. However, they couldn’t bear to throw the TV away. In the end, they kept the TV in a closet.

6. Enjoy the newfound freedom

With TV out of the picture, enjoy the newfound freedom to pursue your life goals. You’ll be surprised at how much progress you’ll make in a short span. Start on your personal goals today, and very soon you’ll see results.

In conclusion, removing TV from your life is a big decision, but it can lead to a more fulfilling life. As Chua discovered, once you remove TV from your life, you’re free to pursue your passions, connect with others, and prioritize what really matters. So, are you ready to take the plunge and remove TV from your life?