from the archives. originally posted Feb. 28, 2013
I mentioned a few weeks ago that hubby and I were going TV free until Easter, minus our vacation this month. I did not realize how hard it was going to be, but it definitely has some benefits! (as a side note/confession- apparently in traditional Lent, you are allowed to “feast” {vs. fast} on Sundays. So last Sunday we watched an hour and a half. It was the season finale of Downton Abbey, y’all! Don’t be hard on me! 🙂 And kudos to my hubby for watching DA for his one cheat day!)
Anyway, here are a few of the benefits we’ve seen ’round here minus the tube-
1.) More time to read.
Who knew- those hours post-kids’ bedtime can be put to good use! I’ve read a fiction called Paper Roses (great read by the way, and it was free on Kindle when I bought it. Have I mentioned how much I L-O-V-E my kindle?) and am now reading AW Tozer’s book The Pursuit of God– also free on Kindle! I’ve also spent lots more time reading and studying my Bible, which is definitely one of the purposes of Lent. (you could also read my eBook 🙂 )
2.) More time to sleep
Okay, when we were watching waaaay to much TV, we would stay up until midnight (or later!) many nights watching a few hours of TV. I get up by six most mornings to either workout or run before the kids get up, and add that to a 3 am feeding for Canaan, that ain’t a whole lot of shut eye. This Monday, I went to bed at 7:45 pm! Before the kids even! Then Tuesday, 8:45 and Wednesday I was asleep before 10. It has been glorious and I feel very well- rested.
3.) Losing weight
Hey, this is by far the best one. Guess what, when you’re not sitting around watching TV at night, you’re probably much less likely to snack! I’ve lost six pounds the last 2 weeks. I am running so I’m sure that’s part of it, but I can’t help but think that cutting out those late-night snacks has something to do with it too.
4.) Having more time to get “stuff” done
I know it’s relaxing to watch some TV at the end of the day, but sometimes that’s the only time I have to accomplish many tasks, like writing this blog. Sometimes Ben and I will take a half hour or so after the kids are in bed to wrap up the day’s work, or even do something fun individually.
5.) If you’re married, some time to rekindle romance
I won’t go into detail here (my mom reads this!) but you can use your imagination. 🙂
So there ya have it. I am sure we’ll return to watching some TV after Easter, but definitely not to our old habits. I like this lifestyle much better!
(although it’s hard folding 7 loads of laundry without a movie, which is what I usually do when a huge mountain piles up. Luckily, Curious George was playing in the background for my daughter! ha!)
Have you ever taken a TV break? If so, what did you learn through it?
Like what you see? Be sure to follow me on Pinterest to get more ideas!
About Kelli Hays
