Hide the Remote

Couch potatoes of the world unite! Not to worry, they're probably too busy zoning out in front of the tube to make an impact on much of anything.

Results of a 30 year survey investigating individuals' happiness levels, which included 30,000 adult participants, noted that watching television may give immediate pleasure, but ultimately contributes to long-term dissatisfaction. Unhappy people, generally less connected to social supports and activities, watch 20% more TV, filling up their unwanted spare time (adding to the vicious circle of why they are unhappy).

On average, people (in the U.S., a bit less in Europe), spend 4-5 hours a day in front of the TV. By age 70, about fifteen years of life will be forfeited to channel surfing and watching the screen. What other things might be done or accomplished during that time?

• At the expense of REAL engagement - interacting with family and friends, sports, artistic endeavors, and intellectual pursuits stimulate and challenge the brain as opposed to an "activity" needing only passive "participation".

• Instant gratification –watching the telly requires no skills or effort and makes no demands; an understandable choice at the end of a hard day, but is there any enduring benefit?

• Whose reality is it - would the pull of reality shows or celebrity gossip programs be so mesmerizing if you were creating adventures, engaging in fun activities and expanding your own horizons?

• Addiction friction-has your allegiance to television (or the computer, etc.) caused rancor within relationships, with significant others in your life feeling your first (and lasting) love is electronic in nature?

• Vegging out – it's easy to eat (unhealthy) meals and snacks and drink in front of the TV, but the only exercise consists of lifting food from the hand to the mouth.

•Makes gratuitous violence acceptable and seemingly commonplace – additionally, those who watch a greater than average amount of television report feeling less safe and less trusting.

• Glorifies materialistic values – while being encouraged to want more, comparisons to inflated lifestyles portrayed on screen contribute to viewers' lower levels of happiness.

• What's the message – whether visitor or host, if Big Brother isn't turned off while conversing with others, whose input is deemed more important and interesting?

• Stymies mental development – this is particularly true for children's intellectual development; in seniors, incessant TV viewing hastens attention and memory problems.

• Create your own station break – try no TV for a week or two (or a month). At the end of that time, list the things you were able to accomplish (and enjoy), by not being a viewer. Did you really miss it?

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!

Quelling the Quick Fix

Our "hyperculture" (the high speed atmosphere of the internet, email, cell phones instant messaging, etc.) has propelled impatience to an art form, further elevating expectations that things be done instantly, if not "yesterday". While there are incredible benefits from technological advances (hard to imagine life without our computers and on the spot communication), the expectations of instant gratification often leads to stress, disappointment and anger when things aren't done immediately or perfectly.

Here are some ways to "savor the moment", rather than aiming to get even the enjoyable things (including your life!), over and done with as quickly as possible:

• Mindfulness-focusing and giving full attention to one thing at a time; not being consumed by future plans and events without really experiencing the present.

• Racing against the clock - scurrying around without noticing, without really interacting - stop and appreciate commonplace occurrences or take time to get to know someone better. What do you believe would actually happen if you slowed down?

• Instantaneous decisions – drawing conclusions before taking the time to gather the necessary information and refusing to veer from that position. What might happen if the decision was reversed after more information was brought to light?

• Fast food fixes – gulping down meals on the run rather than regularly enjoying leisurely repasts is certain to minimize tastiness and maximize digestive problems.

• Information overload – pare down the amount of email, articles and periodicals (sent or subscribed to), to give yourself time to absorb, and understand and remember the material you really need.

• "If this is Tuesday, it must be Paris"- even when on vacation, forgetting to relish the change of pace and scenery; it's unnecessary to be on a deadline to "accomplish" everything while on holiday – just enjoy!

• Irritable and incensed - when waiting for someone or something (traffic or a long super market line), or when interrupted while in the midst of a task, is a temper tantrum the response of choice? Will the speed at which something did (or didn't) occur actually matter in a week, month, or year?

• Perfectionist pitfalls - sometimes, doing things by halves is actually okay; substitute permission for anger when perfectionist ideals aren't met by yourself or others.

• Over committed and under appreciated - too many "irons in the fire" make it difficult to honor commitments. Under-promise before saying "yes" and examine the ramifications of your response; renegotiate or politely decline requests, suggest alternatives, or re-schedule.

• Pacified by sound bytes - news and entertainment that combines a speedy dose of flash, cash and trash. Choose to receive less information that is more in-depth.

• Tenacity triumphs – results aren't always immediate, so it's critical to "keep your eye on the ball", while remembering the importance of taking one step (or day) at a time; practice does make perfect in order to attain the desired goal or outcome.

• Hurry-itis" - living lives filled with manic movement and constant stress; rarely relaxing, yet feeling guilty and agitated when not working on something.

• The 10 minute breather – give yourself an extra 10 minutes to complete tasks rather than engaging in last minute hysteria because you're late or unprepared.

• Ignoring the importance of relationships – is more time, thought and effort put into work rather than family and friendships, rationalizing or trivializing the importance of warm and loving connections, celebrations, holidays and gatherings?

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!