Binge-watching is nothing short of a phenomenon that has launched streaming wars between various companies. Since many people are stuck at home with nowhere to go, burning through shows has become even more popular. But binge-watching, like anything you binge, can be harmful to your health. If you just can’t put that remote down, follow these tips on how to binge-watch TV the healthy way.
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Work Out and Watch
The first method to make your TV marathons a bit healthier is to combine your viewing with something productive. Watching a show while you are on a treadmill, for instance, is a great way to make your bingeing habits healthier and help you look forward to your workouts once again.
Eat Healthier Snacks
It can be easy to fall into the trap of reaching for the cookies or some other junk food while you’re enjoying a TV show. Make a simple change by swapping that junk for healthier snacks like almonds, pistachios, or an apple. If you can eat your way through a bag of chips without even really tasting it when you get lost in a show, use that habit to your advantage by eating or drinking something better for you.
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Protect Your Eyes
Spending too much time watching a TV show can also be bad for your eyes because of the blue light that emits from the screen. When you expose your eyes to too much blue light, you run the risk of digital eye strain, which can lead to fatigue. Thankfully, there is no shortage of blue-light glasses you can wear while you are binge-watching. They’ll give your eyes the protection you need.
Take Breaks
If you can’t get yourself a pair of blue-light glasses or don’t want to wear them, you can also just take some breaks throughout your binge. Stepping away from the television for a bit will give your eyes a much-needed break from the screen and give you a chance to grab some water, a snack, and a bathroom break. Breaks are also necessary to keep you from going into a hole and allow you to get a better night’s sleep—so set yourself some limits!
Watch with Others
Watching TV can be a great experience that you share with others. Pick a time to watch with friends and family, whether it’s in-person or virtually. Watching this way allows you to socialize with others and create common interests with friends and family that you may be missing during social distancing measures.
Pay Attention
The last tip on how to binge-watch TV the healthy way is to make sure you are paying attention. It can be easy to get bored with a show and start to scroll through social media and miss important beats. Look for a show that you find incredibly engaging. Not only will you be challenging your mind, but a program becomes far more enjoyable when you can really immerse yourself and escape from the real world for a little bit—which is something everyone can use a little bit of right now.
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