If you’re anything like me, you love Netflix. And understanding how to get over Netflix addiction is tough – but worthwhile.

Well, I suppose a more apt qualification would be something like, “if you are an average person of an average Netflix-receiving country, you, on average, love Netflix.” Because really, who doesn’t?

But on a slightly more serious note, sitting in front of the telly all night is not healthy. Over time, it’s not so enjoyable either.

In a Harvard study, researchers determined that high rates of TV, or an average of four hours per day, increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, developing cardiovascular disease, and premature death.

If that doesn’t convince you to step away from the screen, feel free to impart on a journey of self-reflection with me, during which I will outline the series of events that both leads up to binge-watching, and occurs during said binge-watching.

The Long Road to Nowhere.

So I come home from work, and as I outlined in my insightful Do Nothing post, the race home from work is exactly that – one gigantic race that eventually leads to a couch and staring contest with a screen that I inevitably will lose. Super fascinating, right? Wrong.

So what is it, really, that keeps us coming back to the screen? We always hear about why it’s bad for you, or about the things that you should be doing instead. We should be exercising or spending meaningful time with friends and family. So what is it about TV that is so enticing after a long day at work?

Well what entices me might be entirely different than what entices you, but I’m going to throw my best guess out there anyways:

Watching TV is easy.

Maybe some people are carried away by the stories, or wish that their lives were like the ones they see on TV. Maybe some people watch TV just because there’s nothing better to do. Honestly, these are all valid reasons for watching TV, but that doesn’t validate the egregious amount of time we spend watching.

Anything is okay in moderation, but shows that are chopped into bite-size pieces and distributed in large blocks are a breeding ground for binge-watching. Especially when those bite-size pieces end with cliff hangers. Thus, an endless cycle of TV watching is created. And then, what happens when you finally finish that TV show you’ve been lusting after since last year?

Well, you put on another one. Duh.

But what happens when that one is over, and the next? There are not endless shows to watch. While technically I could spend my entire life watching a different TV show each night, I doubt they would all be enjoyable. Then again, there have been times I have started watching shows that I have absolutely zero interest in, for the sole sake of having something to watch. WHY?!

The Netflix Addiction

It all comes back to ease and habits.

I went Netflix-free a few days ago. It’s been freeing, and awfully boring.

I used to depend on Netflix for my dinnertime entertainment. Now, since I don’t want to dribble dad’s spaghetti sauce all over my kindle or my computer, I’m left to eat dinner alone. My dog licks her butt across the room, and I very calmly and silently slurp up dinner.

I used to also depend on Netflix to go to sleep at night. I don’t know when the habit started, but I would lie awake at night with worries and anxiety that were magically canceled out with the addition of a bedtime screening.

And voila, yet another bad habit developed.

I find myself thinking back to before Netflix was a household thing. In high school, I certainly did not have Netflix. During college I swiped a friend’s password for a year and continually gave 5 stars to yoga videos with sexy instructors (do they even have yoga videos on there anymore?) just for shits and giggles. Somewhere in that time, my family became Netflix people, and my habit of nighttime TV kicked up a notch.

I had done a few Netflix-free months during college, before my habit was so ingrained, and it was nearly effortless. I felt like I had more time, which granted, was immediately filled with studying and partying. Now though, I don’t have anything to study but old school books and reddit, and nowhere to party aside from the occasional dive bar. So why bother doing anything other than Netflix, if there’s nothing particularly productive to do?

Almost convinced myself to turn on the TV there.

So how did I spend my time before there was Netflix to watch? Ironically, I used to write – go figure!

Instead of Netflix

I didn’t know what to do with myself when I got my first big-girl computer in my room, and not knowing of anything else to do, I started writing. Thus began a lifelong, though tattered at some points, relationship with the written word.

So in a way, I’m using my netflix cleanse as a way of returning to the person I was many years ago, when times were simpler and my interests were purely a manifestation of my true passions. Though it’s certainly harder on the brain (all that wondering what to do with my time), I’ve come to a few realizations:

1. It’s much more fulfilling to intentionally pick what you do, rather than fall into the habit of netflixing all night, every night.

   I started viewing it as an addiction, and falling into a pattern is super easy. Being able to pick what I did, or simply Do Nothing at all gave me a sense of power and control over my life that I never felt in my netflixing days.

2. Rediscovering lost loves and talents is a ton of fun, and netflix was somewhat plugging that creative mindset of mine.

   I used to knit while watching TV, so that at least I felt like I was being somewhat productive. Now I focus all of my energies in other, more encompassing areas. Rather than getting done next year’s christmas presents, I do things like start websites, play with my dog, read, make up stories, and take cat naps on the couch. All of which I can accomplish in the same amount of time I would spend watching TV in a night. The christmas presents can wait for next year’s 14-day rush.

3. After a few days, my mind began to entertain itself.

   It really is an addiction, and once you make the effort to break the habit, your own brain will help you out. Last night I couldn’t decide what to do – I actually felt like I had too many options. I spent a few minutes each day over the past week reflecting on what I want to do with my life, and how baby steps right now will get me there. Nothing was forced – my time was naturally used in a sensible way.

4. I became more in tune with myself.

   Hungry? Have a snack, but not a big one. Tired? Tip that head back for a nap. I spend my five free hours taking care of myself and making contributions to who I want to be in five years. That in itself is a modern day accomplishment to be proud of.

5. I learned a little more about my own values and perception of time.

   When I’m mindlessly entertained (read: Netflixing), time flies by. That’s great if I’m sick or otherwise off my game, but that’s not the state I want to live my life in. Twenty minutes spent watching another rerun of How I Met Your Mother corresponds roughly to a two-mile run, some badass inversion yoga, or a leisurely walk with an overly energetic pup.

Bonus points – I also did some cleaning and reorganizing, which snowballed my happiness and sense of accomplishment. This is the first time I have found myself snowballing in the right direction. It feels fantastic.

Going Cold Turkey on Screen Time

It’s probably also worth noting that I have been withholding from drinking and music videos as well, two more mindless all-night activities. I haven’t cut out either completely, but in my attempt to become more aware of the ways I spend my time, I decided that drinking (unless socially) has become a time and money waster, and the music videos I watch while doing so are pretty repetitive. The only reason I like them so much is because I  watched them ten minutes ago and had fun.

Also worth noting – I did not cut out reddit. That’s an addiction I’m not sure I will be able to handle on my own. Might need to hire a coach for that one.

Netflix was my Achilles heel, followed closely by the friendly combination of drinking and watching videos. I tackled both of these, to an extent, and feel much more accomplished and dedicated to myself.

I really encourage anyone to give it a try, even if it’s just for a week. Find your own weaknesses and mindless time sucks, and go (for the most part) cold turkey. Create habits that truly make you happy and allow yourself the time and mental wellbeing to keep yourself content with life. Don’t live and die for your screen.