How to Survive Without Cable
Suggestions, Tips and Tricks for Not Watching TV
In an ever technologically necessary world, the thought of giving up your cable, with its digital video recording capabilities, more channels than anyone can watch in a lifetime, and the endless hours of believed entertainment is one that strikes fear in most people. Just the simple suggestion to some is enough to cause their blood to run cold with terror.
Giving up cable, however, isn't as hard as it seems - nor is it as horrific. Just as you would go about trying to quit any addiction, it takes skill, patience, and plenty of other distractions.
1. Don't quit cold turkey. While some people have more will-power than others, quitting cold turkey can be a painful experience for everyone. Choose an hour of TV a day that you feel you just can't miss - your favorite show or the news, for example. Only turn the TV on to watch these shows and then immediately turn it off when the show is over.
2. Make sure you have a quality internet connection. While TV does provide an array of useless shows and information, it also provides a valuable outlet for information, specifically the news and weather updates, which can be invaluable depending on where you are situated. If you have a quality internet provider, you can find all of this information online - and if your power happens to go out during a storm, your TV won't do you much good anyway.
3. Keep yourself busy. One of the biggest reasons people turn their TV on is because they have nothing better to do with their time and watching TV is generally preferable to starting at a wall while laying on the couch relaxing. To keep from giving into your TV, make sure you have other things to do: read a book, teach yourself a new skill like cross-stitching, sewing, or how to make webpages, go play a sport with friends, clean your house even. You'll be amazed at what you have time to do when you stop watching so much TV.
4. Make sure you have a stereo hooked up. Many people use their TV for background noise while doing other things. The point of TV, however, is to have a picture to watch. If you're only listening to the sounds, then radio will work just as well. Pick a new station every time you turn it on for variety, listen to talk radio, or simply put your favorite CD in and enjoy the background music while you do other things.
5. Save the money you would have spent on cable - literally. When you finally call it quits on your cable, put the money you were spending on the bill every month into a high-interest savings account that you can't easily withdraw from and watch it grow. Most people spend a significant amount of money on cable every month - imagine how much you could save if you chose to get rid of it.
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