You know how they say baseball is America’s favorite pastime? Well, I have a feeling that “Netflix and chilling” is on its way to taking that title. The idea of watching a show or movie in your own home is no longer a fantasy, it’s a way of life. Nowadays, a millennial’s best friend is a laptop and a bed. This makes me think, is this generation lazy or are we really geniuses? Think about it, we save money while staying indoors and can pause the movie or show whenever we want. Of course, you all know this already (who doesn’t), but could this activity potentially becoming a type of “culture” that will eventually lead into a pastime in the future? Babe Ruth is probably rolling in his grave at this notion, but I think the activity of “Netflix and chilling” has a long way to go before competing with the Great Bambino.
Now you have become a master at watching shows and movies at home, what do you watch? You take your friend’s recommendation to watch all nine seasons of The Office, and you fall in love with Michael Scott. However, eventually all great things come to an end and the last episode rolls around. After you watch the tear jerking final episode of The Office, you come back to planet earth to get your life together. Your laundry has been sitting in the basket for weeks, there are potato chip crumbs in your bed from your late-night binge watching and the due date for the essay that’s been hanging over your head is rapidly approaching. Here’s how to get your life in check after binge watching a show for probably an unhealthy amount of hours.
1. Recognize The Problem.There comes a time when you must face the music and accept that your binge watching has gotten out of hand. The first step to getting your life together is recognition, and once you’ve done that, the rest is cake.
2. Don’t Be Overwhelmed.
If you have never seen the classic 80s flick Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, you need to watch it ASAP. In the movie, a young Christina Applegate works at a fashion company, at which her boss asks too much of her. Applegate is expected to reply, “I’m right on top of that, Rose.” Her boss also tells her, “don’t be overwhelmed, just do one thing at a time.” This is a word of advice I think we should all abide by when we finish a beloved show.
3. Find Another Show.I know this is sounding counterproductive, but after you’ve gotten your life all figured out and your assignments completed for school, why not find another show to binge watch? Sometimes a little binge-watching is all we need after a treacherous day out in the world. However, it is important to remember not to let Netflix take up all your time. Trust me, we’ve all been there, and I understand it can be easy for this to happen. Like going on a diet, don’t just take all the chocolate away, only eat it in moderation and in small portions. Small portions and snippets of Netflix can lead to having more time for school work, socializing with friends and maybe even learning a new hobby.
So go out and live your life, not Netflix free, but maybe take a break from living life through looking at a screen and take a gander at what the world has to offer you through your own eyes.
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