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Step Away from the TV

This might not be “news” to anyone in the world, but a new study from five university professors claims that people are not happier than they were a few decades ago, even though the quality of living has improved.
 
The study claims that when people spend time on things they really enjoy—such as talking to friends or working on a hobby—people report being pretty happy. The problem is that we spend too much time doing faux-fulfilling activities—like watching TV—that should make us happy but don’t.
 
“I wonder whether people would feel better about their lives if they spent their leisure time doing something that was more interactive and more engaging,” one of the study authors told the Wall Street Journal.
 
The next time you find yourself sitting in front of the television trying to decompress for the day, why not turn it off and find something enjoyable to do? You might just feel that much happier. [Wall Street Journal]

Posted: 4/2/08
kathiej

I spend minimal time in front of the tv.........I would rather spend my time listening to music, talking with friends and family(over coffee or wine), playing with my dog, running, practicing yoga or pilates (or any physical activity). Basically, just pursuing my passions. Television isn't a passion of mine, but I think I'm in a minority in this day and age....

Plus, my husband is a tv junkie, and we have found ourselves at odds on the issue, so we developed a compromise...we have a DVR and record a few shows that we both like, and play them back when we both can watch. It's a win/win.

There are many good shows on tv, but I find that actively living life is a much better way to exist.

  • By kathiej
  • on 4/9/08 12:04 PM EST