by androoskadoo

Created on: August 15, 2008   Last Updated: January 31, 2009

There are so many rewarding ways to spend free time that don't involve the television. Many have been around for generations, but they mostly just boil down to what you enjoy. A great reason people enjoy television so much is because it's entertaining. Here are a few other options for spending time that, for many, can be equally entertaining and relaxing:

Read a book

It seems obvious, but reading is still a great pastime. Not only can you be drawn into a story (much like television) but it helps expand your mind and lets your body relax. Pick something you know you like. If it's science fiction, pick that. Or non-fiction or romantic. The best way to enjoy a book is to find a genre that really interests you.

Listen to music
Music is another media genre besides television that can be equally entertaining. The best thing about listening to music is that you can do it anywhere. Unlike television, music has very little restrictions, particularly if you have a portable system. Find something else you enjoy doing, like walking or sitting somewhere beautiful, and then listen to your music while you enjoy that.

Create!
Create something. Write a story or poem. Paint a picture or draw something. Build a shelf or something that's not practical at all, but intrigues you. Make dinner. Cook something that you may never had thought to cook before. Using this artistic side of your brain can be very rewarding and turn into a wonderful side hobby that will take up many hours of television watching time.

Get out and about
If you enjoy nature, there are a plethora of activities to do. Walking, hiking, fishing, or bicycling are just the beginning. If nature is not your thing, there are other ways to get outside of the home. Go shopping, even if it's just window shopping. You'll still get exercise, but there's also additional stimulation. Go to a museum. Stimulate your mind with art or history. Another fun way to get out is to find a group of friends for an activity. Barbecuing or camping. Put together a volleyball game or go out to dinner. Socialization is a great substitute for TV.

Makeover your home
This doesn't have to necessarily be a weekend project. It can be something simple, like organizing a closet or moving a few pieces of furniture for something different that can also be practical. Or add color. Paint a wall or pieces of furniture or snip a few flowers from the garden and put them somewhere in your home that you will enjoy. Most people spend a great deal of their spare time in their home. Make your home a place you can enjoy.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. The best activity will be something that intrigues or inspires you. Discover this and your television watching days will be long gone.

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