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Gain Four Hours a Day in One Step

May 31, 2011 by Kenna Griffin

This post is from the archive. It originally was published May 31, 2011.

What could you do with four more hours a day?

Would you finish a big project? Spend more time with your family? Enjoy a hobby you haven’t had time for in months?

TV RemoteI don’t have a special time-altering device that gives you more than 24 hours a day. You get what you get. But I can tell you how to gain that time.

Press “off.”

The average American watches television more than 34 hours a week. These are the same people complaining about how busy they are and how they have no time.

I haven’t watched television in almost a month.

It’s strange coming from a mass communications professor, but I’ve never really cared for television. I mean, sure, I can get sucked into favorite sitcoms or soap operas just as quickly as anyone, but I’ve always preferred reading and writing to watching the box.

These days I would rather read my RSS Feed or banter on social media in my “down time” than watch television.

This is pretty much what I’ve done for the past three weeks while I’ve been teaching internationally. I’ve enjoyed my quiet time, with no husband or children around to turn on the television as soon as we walk in the door.

You know what you can do when it’s quiet? Think. Focus. Read. Relax.

Perhaps it’s time for us all to reclaim some of that TV time.

I’m not saying you should never watch TV. I’m not even suggesting that you shouldn’t watch TV every day if you want. I’m simply saying that you shouldn’t spend 34 hours a week plopped on the sofa in front of the screen.

Let’s Talk Nerdy!

What would you do with four more hours a day?

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above (typically those to books) may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I promise that I only recommend products or services I use personally and think will provide you value. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Comments

  1. Megan Alba says

    January 30, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    Agreed! In our house, the television is on as “background noise.” But really, there are better options – music, reading, etc. I’m planning to give up television for Lent this year. If I’m going to invest my time in watching something, I want to be intentional about it, not watch it to kill time or distract me. Who knows – maybe it will become an ongoing thing.

    Reply
    • profkrg says

      January 31, 2012 at 8:54 pm

      @Megan Alba If my family is home, the TV is on. I hate it! It just a habit for my husband that has sort of passed down to the kids. I love that you’re giving it up! Let me know how it goes.

      Reply
  2. Josh Watson says

    February 1, 2012 at 12:32 pm

    I agree. I haven’t had cable for 9 years & it’s great.

    Reply
  3. Prof KRG says

    February 1, 2012 at 12:32 pm

    Good for you, Josh! My husband is a big TV watcher. I can do without it.

    Reply

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Prof KRG

Prof KRG aims to create an ongoing educational dialogue among media professionals, students and educators.

Please let me know what resources you need or topics you wish you better understood. If I don't know the information, I'm happy to seek out someone who does.

Contact me via email at kennagriffin@gmail.com.

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About Kenna Griffin

I am a mass communications professor, journalist and collegiate media adviser. I teach classes including those on writing, reporting, media law, media ethics, social media marketing, and public relations. I am married, have two children and live in Oklahoma. More about this site's purpose

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