Unplugging: preparing to ditch web & TV for awhile (in the house, anyway)

[kelownagirl]

The big TV in our living room died about 2 months ago. I haven't lifted a finger to replace it. DH watches hockey on the TV in our bedroom once in awhile and we rent movies once or twice a month at most. My son watches some programs on his TV in the basement. However, I DO spend HOURS on the internet. However, I truly believe it's time much better spent than sitting and starting a mindless TV programs.

I must say my life is much more joyous since I stopped watching the news, and reading the paper. I check the local news website once a day so I'm aware about what's going on the world, but I generally only read the headlines.

Good luck!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You can always tell a family that watches a lot of tv...all the chairs in the living room are facing a big tv and 'entertainment center' (always cringed at that term, like you have to go to some 'center' to be entertained?). The tv/entertainmentcenter looks like a huge shrine of some sort. Families that don't watch much tv have their chairs all facing each other...as though people communicate with each to 'entertain' themselves instead.

[Pax]

You can always tell a family that watches a lot of tv...all the chairs in the living room are facing a big tv and 'entertainment center' (always cringed at that term, like you have to go to some 'center' to be entertained?). The tv/entertainmentcenter looks like a huge shrine of some sort. Families that don't watch much tv have their chairs all facing each other...as though people communicate with each to 'entertain' themselves instead.

We struggle with this at our place. My honey has a job that would make a saint nuts so when she gets home she really likes to sit and watch the news and then veg in front of HGTV to unwind. I'd prefer to have the TV be sitting in the corner that gets turned on for specific shows. So far I'm not winning this battle.

[Starfish]

when she gets home she really likes to sit and watch the news and then veg in front of HGTV to unwind.

Yep, it is the veg out phase that gets me. When I'm not done in from work, I will gravitate toward things that are interesting to do. But, I need a new "right after work when my brain cannot read one more thing, but needs a serious distraction for awhile" thing.

For those of you who have demanding jobs that fry your brains (meaning the last thing you want to do after work is be creative, read, or think), if you don't use TV to shut your brain off for awhile between work and evening (and you can't get outside due to awful weather) what do you do?

[Geonz]

Solitaire

[tulip]

yoga or pilates

or a beer

[Starfish]

yoga or pilates or a beer

The little known Hop-a yoga?

[Blueberry]

For those of you who have demanding jobs that fry your brains (meaning the last thing you want to do after work is be creative, read, or think), if you don't use TV to shut your brain off for awhile between work and evening (and you can't get outside due to awful weather) what do you do?

Walking (I'll go even if it's pouring rain). Trainer. Cooking. Cleaning the house (not my choice - but I'd rather do it when I can't do something more fun - and sweeping up dog hair is not taxing on the brain).

CA

[GLC1968]

For those of you who have demanding jobs that fry your brains (meaning the last thing you want to do after work is be creative, read, or think), if you don't use TV to shut your brain off for awhile between work and evening (and you can't get outside due to awful weather) what do you do?

Hang with the dogs, read for pleasure (my favorite, but I limit this or I'll spend ALL my time wrapped up in books) and clean. I also find knitting to be a great way to unwind as long as I'm at a simple/mindless part of the project.

I discovered last night that working on my bike after one of those stressful days is a really, really BAD idea. I had absolutely no patience and I was about to flip out at the silliest stuff. I finally just got it rideable again and gave up. I'll save the rest of my tasks for a better day.

I"m glad to hear that you'll still have access at work! I'd miss seeing you around here!!

[Starfish]

I"m glad to hear that you'll still have access at work! I'd miss seeing you around here!!

Hey, thanks!

Who knows...I might have to break down and get a broadband card.

And, I'm with you about not working on the bike (or other technical chores) after work. I'm thinking reading won't do it for me, either. I need something really relaxing and fun with no brain cells involved! I will be a 10 minute walk from the ocean. Maybe a 20 minute walk after I get home would be the thing. But, usually I need a real distraction to get my brain off work and onto something else.

[GLC1968]

Ooh yeah...I don't know why I didn't include exercise in my list. That's a BIG unwinder for me! This is partly why I love biking to work, the ride home does wonders for my mood and general brain function.

[cyclinnewbie]

For those of you who have demanding jobs that fry your brains (meaning the last thing you want to do after work is be creative, read, or think), if you don't use TV to shut your brain off for awhile between work and evening (and you can't get outside due to awful weather) what do you do?

I'm a bit late in responding, but I do yoga to unwind, or go for a walk or to the gym, or just go home and pour a glass of wine and talk to my kids/hubby/dog. Sometimes when everyone's gone when I get home, I crank up some really good music (classical/stevie wonder/U2/bagpipes..whatever I'm in the mood for) and just veg. Music renews the soul...

And OMG 10 minutes from the ocean??? What else could be more relaxing than watching waves? Glass of wine or cup of tea, walk to the beach, find a log and sit. Sounds like pure heaven to me!