She Strengthens

Breaking Up with TV: A 30-Day Experiment

The Challenge Begins

Recently, I embarked on a bold experiment: giving up TV for 30 days. This wasn’t my first rodeo; I’ve previously attempted 30-day challenges like cutting out eating out and having 30 no-spend days. But this time, I wanted to tackle my beloved TV habit. Before starting, I created a plan to help me stay on track, and my online community cheered me on. However, my offline friends were skeptical – they knew how much I loved watching TV.

The Verdict: Not a Complete Success, But Progress Nonetheless

Unfortunately, I didn’t completely succeed in my challenge. Life had other plans, and I spent most of September and October battling illnesses. Despite this, I managed to significantly reduce my TV time and overall screen time. Before the challenge, I averaged 3-4 hours of TV time daily. Afterward, I cut it down to about an hour a day, with some days TV-free altogether.

Lessons Learned

Productivity Boost

Not watching TV forced me to find alternative ways to fill my time. I made a list of 13 activities to replace TV time, including cooking, reading, and playing with my dog. I completed everything on that list and even saw a boost in my business productivity. By focusing on work instead of TV, I’m on track to have my first five-figure earnings month in November.

Financial and Physical Benefits

Without TV, I started listening to audiobooks and podcasts, which led to longer walks with my dog and a healthier lifestyle. I lost four pounds in October and saw a significant decrease in personal spending. While correlation doesn’t imply causation, it’s certainly a positive trend.

Facing Reality

TV can be a convenient distraction from life’s stressors. Without it, I had to confront my issues head-on. This challenge taught me that I was using TV as a coping mechanism. Instead, I turned to relaxation techniques like meditation, journaling, and baths.

A New Approach

I’ve since implemented a new TV routine, limiting my viewing to Saturdays and Sundays. This allows me to reserve weekdays for work and other tasks, making my weekends feel more special. If you’re considering reducing your TV time, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s an eye-opening experience that can help you reassess how you spend your time and fill your days with more meaningful activities.