Back to Newsletter Article Enjoy Prime-Time Without The TV

Are you a couch potato? Do you spend every afternoon or evening in front of the television? It's been said that people watch four hours of television (on average) and spend four-plus hours with computers, games, video, iPods and cell phones. Ouch! It’s time to change those habits.

Join your neighbors for National TV-Turnoff Week, April 19 to 25. The idea is to re-connect with your family and friends. Play games, go on a date or exercise.

Believe it or not, there are websites devoted to telling you and your kids what to do instead of watching TV. You probably already know some alternatives: learn to play a musical instrument, attend a community concert, organize a neighborhood cleanup, write a letter or read a book from your new humor library. In case you really are stumped about what to do without a TV, go to iVillage where you'll find 101 ideas for adults and kids.

For grown-ups, plan a midweek date. Redbook magazine has 100 sane, silly and sexy ideas. For example: go to dinner and a movie, have an indoor picnic on the living room floor, write a poem together or take a bubble bath for two.

You might discover you have more fun engaging your mind or exercising your body than watching television.