Ten Things to Do Instead of Watching TV

TV Turnoff Week will take place April 23-29, 2007 and is a grassroots, non-profit organization founded in 1994 which encourages children and adults to watch much less television in order to promote healthier lives and communities.

Over the years, TV Turnoff Week has gained support from more than 65 national organizations, including the American Medical Association, the National Education Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. TV Turnoff Week is an opportunity for people everywhere to move more, read more and experience more of life.

If you would like to participate in TV Turnoff Week this April 23-29, 2007 but are wondering how you will be able to keep from switching on the TV, here are ten things you can do to fill up your time and keep the TV turned off.

#1 Thing to do Instead of Watching TV: Read a Book

When is the last time you read a book for enjoyment? Check with your book-reading friends for good book recommendations and park yourself in a comfortable chair and start reading. You can also check the NY Times Bestseller list for popular recommendations. If you just aren't sure what book you want to read, pick up a classic children's book and read it to a child.

#2 Thing to do Instead of Watching TV: Talk to Someone

Call your mother, sister or brother. Have a real conversation with a real person. Talk to your spouse or your kids. Find out about their day and ask about what projects they are working on. If you are having trouble finding things to talk about (a very common problem faced by those who are used to watching a lot of TV) ask some fun, hypothetical questions about a dream vacation, dream job, or dream house.

#3 Thing to do Instead of Watching TV: Play a Game

When's the last time you looked in your game closet? If you are like most people, you probably have a stack of board games that haven't seen the light of day for months. Pull a couple of your games out and have a family fun night. Pop some popcorn or put out a bowl of pretzels so you will all have something to snack on while you play.

#4 Thing to do Instead of Watching TV: Write