Enhance Your Binge-Watching Routine for Better Health
By Brandi Goodman
Binge-watching sessions are common throughout the entire year, especially for those who have subscription television services such as Netflix and Hulu, where many seasons and episodes are available at once. However, the fall season is when more people seem to be spending their nights inside watching their favorite shows that have returned or checking out new options that seem interesting. Most people exhibit poor habits during these sessions. Enhance your routine for better health and a more worthwhile experience.
Take Breaks Between Episodes
A binge-watching session usually consists of sitting and watching several episodes in a row. There may be a new show you want to check out for the night along with two others you already enjoy. With technology nowadays, many people are able to pause the television and continue watching the show as intended once able. Do this between episodes at the very least so you can give your eyes a break and get your body up and moving. Sitting too long can cause blood clots and other health concerns.
Stay Active While You Watch
If you really want to enhance your health while watching, stay active while you watch. This means getting up in front of the TV and exercising instead of simply sitting down. This makes it even less likely that you'll develop health problems because of too much sitting. Your heart rate will be up and you'll be burning calories in the process. Do something that doesn't leave you completely winded or unable to focus on your show, such as walking on the treadmill or cycling.
Only Binge Using a TV
Many people have access to shows on their computers, tablets, and even phones. All of these small-screen devices often have you looking down, straining your neck. This can quickly cause pain to set in that will become chronic if you use them frequently for viewing. Binge your shows on a television so you keep your head up and looking forward. Your eye muscles will also not have to work as hard looking to a farther distance on a bigger screen as they would squinting at a small one.
Protecting yourself from the dangers of excessive television viewing, such as weight gain, poor sleep, overeating, and blood clots, is possible. Enhance your binge-watching routine and you'll better your health in the process. You don't have to stop watching TV altogether, but you should do what you can to limit your time sitting in front of it, which is the biggest problem.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wilmington, N.C.