Wellbeing is a complicated word. It means a host of different elements to each and every person. One of my reasons for starting this blog is to simplify the daily bombardment of health and wellness information. With simplicity in mind, I believe the most important choice I made in the last ten years, in terms of my own health, is to get rid of the television. I know this sounds draconian but let me tell you a short story of how this happened.
Many citizens will recall vividly where there were and what transpired on September 11, 2001. I was no different. At that time I lived with my partner, Robert (now husband) in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. On that particular day I was with two girlfriends, Carin and Lisa discussing plans for a theater piece. Another dear friend called to say, please turn on the TV, you need to see this.
Having lived in New York City and with many close friends still abiding there it was heart breaking to witness. This does not compare with the tragic events that so many families experienced and who still to this day bear the devastation. I am by no means trying to minimize the pain they endured. I am using my own personal experience to highlight a change that occurred.
In our household what transpired after 9/11 was a continuous attachment to the television. The TV was in a strange way our lifeline from Europe to the US. Every day after work we would sit down and watch the news late into the night. At a certain point we started to notice that what used to be a very minimal amount of television watching was several hours a day. This trend seemed to have no end in sight.
In 2002, a Dutch politician named Pim Fortuyn was assassinated, which completely enveloped the country in shock and disbelief. Historically Holland has a reputation of being a very tolerant land and this rocked the nation. Once again we remained glued to the television for the constant recapping and over analyses of events.
Then in 2004 we moved to the US. At the point of departure we left many items behind with friends. One of which was the TV. This was easy because the television was not going to work in the US so it was a no brainer to leave in Holland.
After several months in the states and living in a variety of non-permanent locations we realized that it was actually a relief to be without TV. This liberation came in a variety of packages, free time, room to think, extra time to workout and freedom from the constant barrage of information.
Back to the “wellbeing” connection and purpose of stepping away. It’s a choice. But I personally belief unless you cultivate the art of time away you become a victim of the next and latest news event.
This does not allow your body or your brain time to breath. I also don’t feel I miss out on anything. In fact, having more time to read and assimilate information is a plus to no TV. Being able to take time to comprehend events before reacting is a bonus. And moreover the time to get outside and experience something besides a screen is in my mind a big win for my health.
I understand that for many the TV is addictive. The choice of abstention is not for every one. However, even small bits of time away can be beneficial. I remember growing up that our parents set limits. Certain concepts like, no talking on the phone after a certain hour, TV time had definitive parameters and special events on the tube were enjoyed but they were not every day medicine. Moreover, friends were invited over for conversation and dinners not to sit staring at a screen.
Personally, I would love to see TV’s removed from areas such as airports and public spaces. I find it an invasion of my mental space! It is very challenging these days to find a spot while traveling where one is not overpowered by a TV screen. It’s everywhere and nowhere at the same time. I strongly believe it has a negative impact on our health.
A good friend told me once our nation revolves between “crisis and complacency.” Now seems the time to truly evaluate one’s health both as an individual and as a nation. Maybe it’s time to step away.
I too find it so liberating to be in an environment without the noise and distracting images of the TV screen. For a society of individuals who are chronically complaining about being too busy to accomplish everything they want to do, it seems like a no-brainer to go on a ‘TV diet’. Imagine all the other options of how we can spend our time once we have unglued ourselves from the passive, de-energizing activity of TV watching! Thank you Krisna for sharing your encouraging thoughts on this subject.
I love the idea of a “TV diet”! If you don’t mind I will use that in my next wellness talk, and for sure will give you the credit! It’s so true what you acknowledge about the complaint of being too busy. It’s something I hear constantly in my work, and by turning off the TV so much time can be gained. It would be a boon to all if this movement gets some traction. Thank you for your support!