The Problem with Netflix

I have a love/hate relationship with Netflix. I’m not going to go so far as to say that watching tv is always bad, or that life is always better when television is out of the picture. What I do know for me is that too much television can definitely have a negative effect on my life. For one, it becomes a crutch, and I forget how to relax without watching Netflix. Anytime I have a free moment and I’m remotely tired, I turn to Netflix. Secondly, I really struggle with watching just one episode of anything. I love closure and rarely does a show give good closure at the end of an episode. With those two factors, Netflix can consume any available space I give it. The most disappointing factor, however, is that I don’t actually feel well-rested after a couple hours of watching a show. It’s such a let down.

The Alternative

If I cut television out entirely, I tend to give more space to the things that require a little more work but are more fulfilling to me, such as reading or working on a project. If I don’t have energy for those things, then I know that I should probably just get some actual rest. For these reasons, we recently cancelled our Netflix account. It felt like a pretty big adjustment the first few days. We would finish up dinner and look at each other, wondering what on earth we were going to do with our evening. Now that we’ve adjusted, it’s amazing how much more time we have for the things that are more meaningful to us.

But some days I am really tired and it’s still way too early to go to bed. After staring at a computer screen at work all day, reading might not sound like the best activity. I’ve had to think outside of the box to consider new ways to relax now that television isn’t my default. I thought you might be struggling with the same thing, so today I’m sharing 30 ways to relax without watching Netflix. As a bonus, most of these options are also free or cheap too!

30 Ways to Relax Without Watching Netflix

Listen to Audiobooks

Charles and I really enjoy listening to audiobooks together. It gives my eyes a break at the end of the day, but it still feels more worthwhile than watching a show. It’s also an enjoyable activity that we can do together.  Here are some tips for finding great audiobooks.

Listen to Podcasts

There are so many great podcasts out there, both entertaining and educational. I love to listen to podcasts as a way to dip my toes into a subject that intimidates me. I listen to podcasts a lot while I’m driving and cooking, but if I’m not doing anything then I enjoy playing solitaire or freecell on my phone to keep my hands busy while I listen.

Do Something With Your Hands

There’s something so special about actually creating something in the physical world. Working with your hands feels like a lost art.

Read a book

If picking up a book doesn’t sound relaxing, think about going back to an old favorite or finding an easy book to read.

Crochet or Knit

This can be an incredibly relaxing activity, especially once you have it down.

Play a game on your phone

These can be just as addictive as Netflix, I think, so proceed with caution. But I enjoy playing something relatively mindless while I listen to audiobooks or podcasts.

Color

There are so many fun coloring books out there these days. This one and this one look like a lot of fun.

Play Sudoku

You can order a book online or get an app.

Take a bath

Make it extra relaxing with bath salts. 

Find new music

Try finding new artists you’ll love with Spotify or YouTube.

Go for a leisurely walk

These are always more relaxing than I think they’re going to be. Go with your favorite human, take a pet, or just enjoy whatever’s in your earbuds.

Flip through a magazine

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a backlog of magazines you’ve been meaning to read through.

Intentionally scroll through social media

The important thing is not to do this mindlessly. Maybe set a timer so that there’s a limited amount of time, or have just a few accounts you want to check. Social media can be really encouraging and inspiring if  you let it be. You just have to learn how to use the tool the right way.

Call a loved one

As an introvert, this doesn’t sound super relaxing to me. But for you more extroverted readers, this might be the perfect way to kick your feet back.

Try hand lettering

There are all kinds of free tutorials on the internet.

Watch some worthwhile YouTube videos

I think I might be the only millennial that doesn’t regularly watch YouTube. I hear there’s some great stuff out there that’s definitely worth checking out.

Play a board game

Not all games have to be intense, thinking games.

Meet a friend for coffee

Bonus points if it’s a quiet, calm atmosphere. As an introvert, this doesn’t totally fit into the relaxing category, but I’m sure it will for many of  you.

Meditate

There are a lot of neat resources for meditation these days. I’ve been wanting to try out Headspace.

Take a nap

I think this is the epitome of relaxation.

Bullet journal

You can start new lists, like where you want to go on vacation, books you want to read, skills you’d like to learn, and so on.

Try out a new recipe

What’s better than being well-fed and relaxed?

Enjoy a glass of your favorite drink

A glass of wine on someone’s back porch sounds like heaven right now.

Listen to music

It’s probably been a long time since you’ve done nothing but lay there and listen to your favorite music. Consider revisiting some of your favorites this way and get lost in the music. It would also be a great way to try out a new album.

Pet your animal

This is good therapy for you and them.

Practice an instrument

This is more likely relaxing if you’re not a brand new beginner.

Try your hand at painting or drawing

It doesn’t have to be any good. Just let your mind wander while you do it and I promise it’ll be relaxing.

Write something

Whether it’s a hand-written letter to a friend or in your journal, writing can be incredibly relaxing.

Do yoga or light stretching

You’ll be amazed how much better your body will feel afterwards

Go for a bike ride

Just take a leisurely ride around the neighborhood. The fresh air will feel amazing.

Organize

For some reason, getting into the groove of organization can feel really meditative for me. I’m sure some of you will feel this way too.

---

So there you have it, 30 ways to relax without watching Netflix. If you’re thinking about cutting back on tv so that it’s not your default relaxation activity, try creating your own list of relaxing activities. That way, when you’re in the moment and nothing is coming to you except your favorite show, you’ll have some ideas of your own. Anything I missed? I’d love to hear what’s on your list!