No TV: My Personal Challenge
In the month of March, I decided I wasn’t going to watch any TV at all. Looking back, it was a choice made out of desperation for newness. I was in the thick of postpartum depression and itching to ground myself and figure out who I am. Cutting out TV seemed like a good place to start.
For context, I had my daughter in November, and PPD really hit hard in January. I decided to leave teaching around mid-February, and for those who don’t know, February sucks. For teaching, for weather, for just about everything. But especially teaching. My days consisted of waking up at 5:30, leaving at 7 with the kids to start teaching at 8, having classes all day, often without any plan time (AKA alone time), and then debriefing with my work bestie. I’d get home at 5, feed the toddler, tame the baby, do bath time, and then bedtime at 7-7:30 for the kids. By 8, my husband and I would sit down and veg out for the better part of two hours. Making dinner and eating in front of the TV, spending at least 30 minutes looking for something to watch that we were mildly interested in, then sticking around to finish a second or third episode. Why? I think it was for the peace of numbing out. It was kind of a time for connection, but also kind of not. It just felt consuming and unhelpful.
So I impulsively said no TV all of March. My husband stayed on board until about halfway through, then I got into my car and his Bluetooth connected to the radio, and it was cartoons! Cartoons! I felt like I had diabolically caught him, like a teen on TikTok catching her boyfriend. So he was out, but I was still in.
The hard part was spring break. One whole week with the kids and no TV to numb to. Full disclosure, my kids don’t watch TV at all or have any electronics outside of electronic toys. No judgement whatsoever. But that’s for a different post. The TV was for me to fill time and almost instinct. At the end of my month, here is what I noticed:
- My nightly routine dramatically shifted. We would put the kids down, then I would go to our room and listen to an audiobook or do a face mask, pluck stray hairs—truly whatever I wanted. I even, almost often, would go to bed… at 9. Rarely 8:45. It felt good and bizarre.
- I had time for things I had neglected, for no real good reason.
- My husband and I spent multiple nights staying up talking and connecting, which is always nice. It was easy to feel like we’re having “us time” but we were really just doing things at the same time.
I had built up a list of shows or movies to watch come April. When April did arrive, though, I felt awkward is the best way to describe it. It had become such a big deal to me, I felt weird breaking it. Not like I looked down on TV, but that it was like breaking a record that I didn’t want to break just for the competition of it all. Ultimately, I slept more, I read more, and I did more self-care. I would absolutely do it again, and I truly do watch TV significantly less than before.
What the Research Shows
Now, let’s get into some basic science. Research has shown that reducing screen time can have a myriad of benefits, especially for mental health. Shocking, right? Excessive TV watching can contribute to sedentary behavior, increased anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns. By cutting out TV, individuals often find more time to engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as reading, physical exercise, and mindfulness practices.
For instance, a study published in the journal “JAMA Psychiatry” found that adults who reduced their screen time reported significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression. Another study in “Sleep Medicine Reviews” indicated that limiting screen exposure, particularly before bedtime, can improve sleep duration and quality. In a perfect world, that would mean goodbye, late-night Netflix binges.
Conclusion
Cutting out TV for a month might not seem like a monumental change, but it can have surprising benefits. For me, it was a way to reclaim my evenings, improve my sleep, and focus on self-care during a challenging time. While it may not be earth-shattering, it’s a simple experiment worth trying if you’re looking for a change or just want to challenge yourself.
So, if you’re feeling stuck or in need of grounding, consider giving it a shot. You might be surprised by how much more you can accomplish—and how much better you feel—when you turn off the TV and tune into your own needs.
