Is Binge-Watching Television Harmful?
Whitney Hatcher
| 2 min read
Snuggling on the couch with your favorite snacks and an all-day marathon of your favorite television shows, can feel like the ultimate relaxation. For some, the best way to tune out the world is to turn on the television or watch a queue of online TV episodes. Binge-watching television shows has become a national pastime, but it is certainly not the healthiest way to spend an hour or 10. And while binge-watching television may seem like a perfectly harmless way to occupy your Saturday night, it may actually be an indication of a serious addiction that can cause depression.
After a study was conducted by the University of Texas at Austin, the findings showed that people who watched more television were more lonely and depressed. In addition to depression, according to Medline Plus (NIH), “Physical fatigue and problems such as obesity and other health problems are related to binge-watching and they are a cause for concern.”
It’s important to understand that although watching TV can be enjoyable, too much can be a sign of unhappiness. Make sure that you’re not watching TV as a means to pacify your problems.
Binge Watching Symptoms
- Forgetting to Eat
- Staying up to the crack of dawn, watching TV
- Feeling Fatigue
- Using TV to help with depression and loneliness
Try not to spend the entire day, watching episode after episode of your favorite shows because your mood could be affected.
Prevent binge-watching by:
- Reading
- Meditating
- Listening to soothing music
- Breaking to exercise
- Exercise while watching TV
- Making sure to get adequate sleep
- Making sure to eat
- Do things around the house
Doing these things could help with having a better mood, which could stop your binge-watching routine.
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Have you ever binge-watched television? Did you notice any changes in your mood? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo Credit: Al Ibrahim
