Think you can’t live without your electronic companion, the TV set? Think getting rid of TV would leave your life empty and meaningless? On the contrary, living without TV can be much more peaceful, enjoyable, healthier, and happier. Can you imagine...?
1. You miss all the attack ads during election season.
I did not see a single attack ad this past election—not one! The negativity. The distortions. The lies. I missed it all. It was almost as much fun as missing the negativity, lies, and distortions on the daily news. Instead, I researched the issues I thought were important. If you found the attack ads annoying during this past election, perhaps you could consider getting rid of your TV at least during the next election season.
2. Your mind becomes free of commercial jingles.
I no longer have any annoying commercial jingles running in my brain. I remember how annoying that used to be, when I had a TV. I very much enjoy the peace of mind that comes with their absence. All it takes to enjoy this peace of mind is to get rid of your TV.
3. Holidays are considerably less stressful.
I can tell that the “holiday season” has begun from displays in the stores. Otherwise, I am almost completely disconnected from the annoying orgy of materialistic hoopla, encouraging me to buy, buy, buy. In fact, all the holidays are more enjoyable without TV. Easter, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, New Years and all the other holidays are much less stressful.
4. You and your children can become addicted—to LEARNING.
A couple weeks ago, I taught my 6-year-old son how to do an online search for worms. Then, he wanted to learn about birds, frogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and snails. He searches online and reads as many books as he can get his hands on. Like my son, I also use the internet to research and explore ideas and interests.
Some people tout the educational value of TV. My experience is that TV does not even begin to compare to books and the internet when it comes to learning. However, don’t take my word for it. Test this for yourself.
5. Your kids will stop nagging you for things they see on commercials.
My kids are not always angels, but since we got rid of the TV, they do not nag for things the way they used to. Furthermore, when I do get them toys, they play with them much more. Their toys are better matched to their interests. Furthermore, commercials, those Pied Pipers of materialism, are no longer leading them away from the toys they already have to the “latest/greatest” new toys.
6. You can wean your family from soft drinks and other junk food.
Soft drinks are one of the major culprits in the obesity epidemic. I weaned my children from soda. Once they were away from commercials for soda pop for a while, I simply started avoiding that isle in the supermarket. They occasionally get some soda as a treat. However, now when they are thirsty, they ask for water.
Furthermore, when they are bored, they play. The exercise plus the lack of soda helps make them more fit. If you are struggling to keep your children fit, getting rid of your TV may make that task considerably easier.
7. You will lose track of the latest escapades of Paris Hilton and other such notable celebrities.
Without a TV, I am blissfully cut off from the celebrity circus. Honestly, I did not even know who Paris Hilton was, until a friend mentioned her name on a forum. When it comes to celebrities, ignorance really is bliss. I have much better things to do with my time and energy. I am sure you do too.
8. You do not worry how the sex and violence on TV may affect your family.
It is simply not an issue. I do not need to write my Congressional representative to ask the government to fix the problem or even fret about the issue. That problem evaporated, when I got rid of our family TV. Personally, I only think about this issue insofar as it relates to my website. On that note, the problem is becoming worse, but only IF you have a TV.
9. You do not get upset about the trash on TV.
Recently, someone emailed me after getting extremely frustrated and upset about the content on TV. He did a search for “TV sucks” and somehow found my site. He shot off a note to me about how “TV SUCKS!”
It’s true—TV sucks. It can be tempting to rant and rave about the garbage on TV, but that takes up time and energy too. The solution is simple: Don’t get upset; just get rid of the darned TV. Your life will instantly become calmer and more pleasant.
10. You find the time to pursue your dreams.
After I got rid of my TV, I found myself pursuing old dreams that I had let slide over time. I am now close to realizing a dream that I originally thought would take a lifetime to accomplish. If you have ever said, “I don’t have time to pursue my dreams,” turn off your TV and the time will appear as if by magic.
Test it for yourself
It may be hard to believe that there are such benefits to living without TV. If any of these benefits sound appealing, test it. Don’t take my word for it. Get rid of your TV for a month and see how your life improves. You may see some of these benefits immediately, or you may need to go through a weeklong withdrawal period. By the end of the month, you will probably be pleasantly surprised at the improvements.
Katherine Westphal is the founder of TrashYourTV.com and the author of the revolutionary TV-Free System. Go to http://tvfree.trashyourtv.com to get in control of your TV, video games, and computer addiction today.