Are you worried about spending too much time glued to Netflix, Disney+, or TV?
Let me tell you. You’re not the only one.
Research shows that people who watch too much TV in their middle years have a higher risk of declining brain health later in life.
British adults watch TV and online videos for nearly a third of their waking hours, averaging five hours and forty minutes per day.
But you don’t need to panic! I am not going to say develop an evening routine forcefully. Let’s follow a step-by-step approach.
I leave this to you to create a toolkit of exciting activities, making your evenings more enjoyable and productive.
Maybe it’s the right time to experiment with different options to discover what best nurtures your energy and relationships.
Here are some cool strategies to help you take back control of your evenings:
1.Spend a few minutes at night to eliminate distractions for the next day, such as tidying your workspace or planning your schedule.
2.Both work like a charm for me. I schedule 3 things on my calendar to do every day (professionally). Rest is just a bonus.
3.Jot down your thoughts and concerns in a to-do list or calendar, clearing your mind.
4.Ditch “junk media” and opt for engaging movies, documentaries, or YouTube content. Recently I wrote a detailed article on my favorite YT channel to gain knowledge.
5.Boost family bonding and relaxation through a weekly board game night. I grew up in Asian culture; if you are familiar with Ludo, it’s vastly played at family gatherings. It’s a strategy board game for 2 to four people.
6.Use that time to embark on reading. I mostly read non-fiction books. But this year, I am inclined to read some fiction to stimulate my brain. Any suggestions?
Bonus: Journal
Writing is another powerful way to sharpen the mental saw. Keeping a journal of our thoughts, experiences, insights, and learnings promotes mental clarity, exactness, and context. — Stephen Covey
I love to keep a journal. It’s for me. I don’t share what I wrote with anyone. That’s the place where I make candid conversations with myself.
I do not have a structured journal writing process. I write whatever comes to my mind. It’s like my thoughts dump place at the end of the or sometimes before breakfast.
Sometimes I read the journal to see where life is taking me. I used an app (Day One) and developed this habit of adding a picture (related to the conversation) when I started writing.
Those pictures help to understand life is constantly changing. For example, I got more grey hair within no time. I think it’s a positive change, but some people think, oh, we are getting old.
The bottom line
Quality time is not just about being present, it’s about being fully engaged and attentive. — Unknown
In conclusion, reclaiming your evenings from excessive screen time by following the 6 steps approach is possible.
Everything is hard at the beginning. All you have to do is take action. Let me recall the steps.
1.Prepping for tomorrow
2.Closing mental loops
3.Choosing high-quality media, for example, YT learning channels
4.Balancing leisure activities
5.Initiating family board game nights
6.Reading for pleasure
7.Keeping a simple journal
I recommend embracing these basic strategies for a balanced and enjoyable evening routine.
