As much as I frequent vegging out in front of a TV for hours, losing interest in what I’m watching, and turning to scroll on IG for a few hours, I’ll admit… mindlessly watching reruns of my favorite TV show (i.e. The Office) for hours on end while comparing myself to strangers on the internet doesn’t always leave me feeling as fulfilled as I’d like. Don’t get me wrong, I love my rest time. But I have a feeling that if I paired my mindless TV watching with a hobby that got me in a creative flow or a routine task that’ll help me feel ahead of the game, I’d feel a lot more satisfied with my said choices of rest.
If this sounds like you, we’ve got your back and have compiled a list of six things to do while watching TV that don’t include scrolling on your phone. Grab your remote control and your productive side, these indoor activities and hobbies will bring your TV marathon to a whole new level.
1. Doodling
Doodling is a great way to connect with your creative side and your inner artist while you watch TV. Grab your favorite pens, a sketchbook, and your favorite pencils. There are many ways you can activate your brain by putting pen to paper, including drawing geometric shapes, line art, and calligraphy.
2. Folding laundry
You’ve had it piling up in your laundry room (or The chairYou slept in your bedroom for a little too long to know this one was coming. Iron your clothes, fold your shirt, and pair your socks. And, while you’re at it, ditch the ones that have been missing their counterpart for the last year. Catch up on your favorite show while folding and sorting laundry and we promise, you’ll feel so much better afterward.
3. Foam rolling and stretching
My dance coach recommended that we stretch while watching television as a child. “You’re sitting there anyway, you might as well make use of the time,” she’d advise. I still have my splits to this day (an accomplishment I put on my resume). I got my splits from stretching while watching reruns. Hannah Montana. To me, stretching or foam rolling after the gym is something that I just don’t really have patience for (my brain gets wildly bored), but when paired with my favorite drama series, the chore becomes a lot less tasky.
4. Pottery
OK, I’ll admit, this one could get a bit messy and is not to be done with shows where you’re looking to touch your remote often (i.e., rewinding in case you missed what a character said), But if you’re looking for background noise while trying a new hobby, pottery is the during-TV activity that has your name all over it. Get out your old sheets and get dirty. You can make beautiful or beautiful-ish ceramics for your home.
5. Preparation of meals
Especially when I’ve made a recipe before, the task of meal prepping is so autonomous which, for me and my brain, makes it almost unbearable. But lately, I’ve been turning on episodes of Shadow and BoneWhile chopping vegetables, it makes the time fly and makes the chore much more enjoyable. Plus, by the end of the episode, I am able to get my life together in some capacity which always feels so freakin’ good.
6. Doing a 47-step skin care routine
Bring the skincare that you are always too tired to do to the living room and let’s finally get to that multiple-step routine you’ve always intended to do. I’m talking the whole nine yards, ladies: steaming, cleansing, toning, moisturizing, wearing a face mask, jade rolling, performing gua sha massage, and if you’re feeling fancy, bringing out the NuFace microcurrent tool that you never have time for.
7. Cleaning your makeup brushes
We can all agree on this: Cleaning your makeup brushes can be a tedious task that you never complete. What if you included it in your Sunday binge-watching? Not only will you figure out what happens past last week’s cliffhanger, but you’ll also be setting your skin up for a better, cleaner week ahead.
8. Needlework
TBT to the days when my grandmother would try her damned hardest to get me to grasp the concept of knitting, I’d get bored, and run around doing cartwheels instead. Now that I’m older and a bit wiser, I understand the peaceful value of a simple hobby that allows your mind to wander while producing something beautiful, and I kick my five-year-old self for not taking it seriously. I am glad that the right time has come and I ordered my first knitting needles on Amazon. If this doesn’t secure my spot as my grandmother’s favorite grandchild, I just don’t know what will.
9. Organize your junk drawer
Because we all have one and we’re tired of digging our way through facemasks, candle lighters, wedding invitations, scissors, and bills galore on our way to find one singular pen. My life will be much easier once I get rid of my junk drawer. Here’s to hoping!
10. Cleaning out your email Inbox
By organizing your email, I mean to unsubscribe from hundreds of emails that you receive every week starting at the time you sold your soul (email adress) for just 10 percent. Not only will you be clearing out space but you’ll make for a more streamlined experience the next time that you open your inbox. This way, you won’t miss an important email from your boss or that reminder to pay this month’s electric bill.
11. Plan your week
Whether you’re a planner person, a to-do list groupie, or a Google calendar stan is no matter. Use your next TV binge-watch session to figure out what meetings/assignments you have for the week ahead and be sure to schedule in self-care because it’s 2022 and we are prioritizing it.
12. Painting
Step aside, Pablo Picasso, we’re here to paint some numbers and it’s over for you. Whether you opt for freehand on a canvas or paint by numbers for a guaranteed pretty portrait, you’re bound to get lost in the sauce (acrylic or watercolor paint) and add a little bit of art and character to your space.
13. Get a mani-pedi at-home
Why is it so difficult to find the time to save money and do an at-home manicure/pedi but It’s so simpleYou can watch reruns for 14 hours Parks and Rec? I used to do my nails to break up the endless TV watching. Not only did it look great, but it also saved me time. Ton The value of money. What happened to those days anyways? I should probably go back to that method STAT.
14. Plan your next (or dream) vacation
Many people love to travel. However, it is not something everyone can do. Make a travel bucketlist and find your next destination. OrBook a trip that you are already on the books to save time. Search the internet for the must-see, must-do, and must-eat parts of the place you’re visiting, arrange for transportation, and create semi-flexible itineraries to make sure that when you vacation next, you do it right.
15. Upcycling clothing
Grab your sewing kit (or your sewing machine if this isn’t your first rodeo) because we are repurposing our old clothing, team. A hobby that’s as good for you as it is for the environment? Say no more.
If you’re not into sewing (yet), start with these 11 no-sew upcycle clothing projects and then move on to some more advanced techniques when you’re ready to completely transform an item you’d otherwise get rid of. Upcycling old clothes can be a fun way for you to express yourself, whether you’re looking to make a statement, reinvent your wardrobe, or flip thrifted items. Be a little more kind to the planet.
Source: The Every Girl
