How Do I Stop TV from Sucking Away My Time?

Gretchen Rubin


2012 Happiness Challenge: For those of you following the 2012 Happiness Project Challenge, to make 2012 a happier year -- and even if you haven't officially signed up for the challenge -- welcome! Each week, I post a video about some Pigeon of Discontent raised by a reader. Because, as much as we try to find the Bluebird of Happiness, we're also plagued by the Pigeons of Discontent.

This week's Pigeon of Discontent, suggested by a reader, is: "How do I stop TV from sucking away all my free time?"

How do I stop TV from sucking away my time?


Do you struggle with this? Do you have a way to keep TV in check, or do you get rid of TV altogether? My sister is a television writer, and I have enormous respect for how hard it is to make good TV, and how much pleasure TV can bring, when it's not taking over a person's life.

If you want to read more about this resolution, check out…
Can TV make you happy? 9 tips to ensure that TV is boosting, not undermining, your happiness.
Does watching TV make us happy?
My book is being advertised on television!

I hope you enjoy the new format. It's still evolving, so bear with me while it's taking shape.

You can post your own Pigeon of Discontent at any time; also, from time to time, I'll make a special call for suggestions.

If you're new, jump in right now, sign up here. Studies suggest that by taking action, like signing up for this challenge, will help you keep your resolutions. For the 2012 Challenge, each week I'll post a video for you to consider, and you can check out the archives of videos here.

* I love Mindy Kaling's blog, The Concerns of Mindy Kaling, even though I do not like shopping. (I'm an under-buyer, after all.) She is just that funny. And ever since Mindy Kaling did an interview here, I'm an even more avowed fan.

* Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel. To get the weekly video by email, right in your email in-box, you can:
-- On the GretchenRubin channel page, after you subscribe, click "Edit Subscription" and check the box, "Email me for new uploads." Or...
-- Go to your main drop-down box, click "Subscriptions," find the GretchenRubin channel, click "Edit Subscriptions," and check "Email me for new uploads" there.