The Secret to Health, Success and Happiness

However, unlike these addictions, TV is actually quite easy to quit. Just stand up walk over to it and turn it off. And leave it off. As soon as you get into the habit of talking to your family, spending time with friends, going out and doing things and even spending time just relaxing, trust me- you will not go back. Your energy will soar, your mind will regain its sharpness and your social life will improve. And most importantly, you will be given the gift of time- an all too precious commodity in this fast-paced world. And the beauty is that you don’t need to stop watching TV- just make a distinction between what will enhance your life and what will diminish it. And be honest- is that episode of Friends you have seen 6 times before really going to enhance you?

So try this experiment. Get a TV guide at the beginning of the week and circle the programs that are genuinely educational, inspirational or entertaining- things that will improve your quality of life. Programs like Horizon, Panorama and Dispatches can be very educational, particularly if they relate to your line of work. Good films, documentaries, comedies and dramas can be genuinely entertaining and inspiring. But just make sure you don’t watch anything else- if you are being honest with yourself then you will probably have circled less than ten programs in any given week. Stick to it. And before you go online, quickly jot down what you need to do and stick to that as well- don’t start surfing.

The philosopher Thomas Hobbes once said that “When you watch TV, life is nasty, brutish and short”. Well, he didn’t say exactly that but if he was around in this century I’m sure he would have done. Fortunately, life can very easily be exciting, loving and long- just politely tell that little hypnotist in the corner of your front room that you appreciate his company but, for now, you have better things to do.