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Many of us squander a countless number of hours at home, unconsciously absorbed in mind-numbing television at the expense of other far worthier activities. We perhaps habitually collapse in front of the TV after a day at work, wiling away an hour or two of our precious time over some poor excuse for a drama.

Excessive television watching is, in short, a waste of life. It gives us very little and yet takes so much of us away; for we neglect other healthier pursuits, both for body, mind and spirit. It is time to put a stop to it. Let me suggest some alternatives, indeed, the best non-television ways to pass the time:

1) Go for a stroll in your neighborhood with a loved-one. This is not only a terrific way to open the doors of communication and promote some tender moments but is a great source of exercise and fresh air. You will return exhilarated with a healthy glow. This is especially invigorating if you spend your working days inertly, stuck behind a desk and computer screen.

2) Write; may be an article for our beloved Helium. The buzz of pride you will receive from a well-rated article will far exceed the pleasure of any reality TV show you may watch. And remember, productive people are happy people.

3) Read. Curl up avec hot chocolate in a snug chair with your favorite author and escape into another world. Forget the woes of the day and allow the book to transport you wherever it wishes.

4) Invest in a work-out or yoga DVD and spend an hour or so concentrating on strengthening and toning your body. You will be rewarded with increased energy and a feeling of deep satisfaction that you are doing something new and positive. Its fun too!

5) Entice your partner downstairs for a romantic evening without the distraction of a blaring TV. Crack open a bottle of red wine, dim the lights and indulge in a heart to heart; perhaps try and discover something you didn't know about one another.

6) Run a hot bath, brimming with sweet smelling lavender bubbles and announce yourself as unavailable for the next hour. Spread some scented candles around the tub; fish out those luxury body scrubs and exfoliaters Aunty Linda bought you last Christmas and enjoy.

7) Play a board game. With the onslaught of video-gaming and all manner of other media entertainments many of us have forgotten the simple delights of sitting around the dining room table with our loved-ones and a game of Monopoly. Not only is it great fun but a wonderful opportunity to bond.

8) If you are of the female variety (or a gentlemen with a particular interest in self-grooming)! pass the time by experimenting with a new make-up look. Grab a magazine and recreate a celebrity's sultry eyes or tweeze and groom your eyebrows to perfectly frame your face. Maybe play with a new hair style; a new look can do wonders for your confidence.

9) Instead of watching television before bed, try meditation. Often when our minds passively digest lots of unresolved conflict such as bad news that we can do nothing about or bloody detective dramas we drift off to sleep with these ugly images and thoughts pressing on our subconscious to process. This can lead to nightmares and a poor sleep. Instigate a calm, deep and peaceful slumber by spending five or so minutes relaxing into a beautiful meditation. Try http://www.learningmeditation. com/room.htm .

All of us are guilty of succumbing to the temptations of television, fundamentally because it is of easy access and requires no effort to enjoy. However, let us not forget that variety is the spice of life. The inclusion of any of these non-television ways to pass time may be just what is needed to put that all-important smile back on your face. Attempt one or two this week and why not add some of your own?

Learn more about this author, Yvette Durham.
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