Better Living > Simple LivingSeptember 10, 2008

By Claire Bush

Want to see if you can live without TV? Taking a break from the habit may give you an idea of how your time could be more profitably spent. Whether you want more leisure to read, pursue a hobby, hit the gym or just bond with friends and family, try these ideas to cold turkey TV from your life.

Plan to deep six the TV for one month. Experts say that it takes between 21 and 28 days to establish new habits, so this should give you a reasonable timeframe.

Set a date to begin, and start preparing in advance.

Make sure others in your household know of your decision. It will be easier if they go TV free with you, but you can take a hiatus from the tube solo; let loved ones know you aren't avoiding them, just refocusing for a time.

Lay in a supply of books you've been meaning to read, including classics you haven't gotten around to and favorite authors you've enjoyed in the past. This would be a good time to order a new magazine subscription, renew your library card or join a book club.

Explore your neighborhood. Check out the Middle Eastern grocery store, a nearby boutique, music store or cafe you've been meaning to visit.

Catch up with friends and family. Call your mother or visit with a neighbor you'd like to get to know.

Walk after dinner instead of settling onto the sofa as soon as the dishes are done.

Pick up a musical instrument you haven't played in years and give it a try.

Begin a journal and record your thoughts and ideas.

Finish a long-neglected project around the house.

If you have a partner, give each other a massage or try a couples' yoga class together.

Don't feel every minute has to be spent productively. Downtime - whether it's daydreaming, sketching, birdwatching or just hanging out on the back porch - is restorative to the mind and spirit.

About The Author: An Arizona freelance writer for the past decade, Claire is a regular contributor to the Arizona Republic's business, career builder and community sections and is also the author of a statewide restaurant guide, "Dining in Arizona - 101 Great Places to Eat" Claire has co-authored several cookbooks and is now a working chef and menu designer in Sun City, AZ.

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