I feel pretty confident in saying Netflix is one of the greatest inventions ever created. It has totally revolutionized the way we access television shows and movies. Long gone are the days in which we had to drive to the nearest Blockbuster to rent a DVD. No longer must we suffer the agony of waiting for an entire week to watch the next episode of our favorite show. Everything we could possibly want to watch is there at the press of a few buttons. Unfortunately, between classes, work, extra-curricular activities, socializing with friends, and that sleep thing that people keep telling us we should try to get, it can be tough to find time to utilize this glorious creation. And when we do find time to catch up on a show, we often feel guilty, like we are wasting our valuable time. But don’t sweat it! Here are seven super handy excuses you can whip out to justify taking that much deserved Netflix break!
1. “I need a study break.”
After staring at a textbook or flipping through PowerPoint slides for a few hours, your mind needs a rest. It can only handle so much at a time, so when you reach a good stopping point while studying, take a step back from the books and log into Netflix. Something quick like an episode of The Office or Arrested Development will help you relax and refresh yourself before you hit the books again.
2. “I’m celebrating the end of an exam!”
So you’ve been studying for that big exam all week, and now it’s over. Whether you feel like you crushed it or it crushed you, the fact that it’s finally done is reason enough to celebrate. Reward yourself for surviving another exam by watching that movie you’ve been meaning to watch all semester.
3. “Listen, I’ve had a rough day.”
It’s okay. You’ve had a bad day. It happens to all of us. Maybe your alarm never went off and you were late to class, or you didn’t do as well as you thought you did on your last exam, or maybe your friends canceled plans that you were looking forward to all day. Whatever the reason, make some tea, curl up in bed, and watch a few episodes of some drama starring characters with problems way worse than yours. Sure you tanked that bio exam, but at least you aren’t fighting for your life in the midst of a zombie apocalypse!
4. “Who can do work and eat at the same time?”
No matter what your schedule looks like during the day, you have to eat eventually. And who can work AND eat at the same time? Multitasking is hard. Plus, you might spill your soda on your computer or drop something sticky on your textbook, and no one wants that. Take forty minutes to give yourself a break with dinner and a show.
5. “My favorite show just added a new season!”
This is definitely a solid reason to clear some space in your schedule to watch, especially if this show is a Netflix original. If you don’t watch it all soon, your friends will be talking about it without you, spoilers will be everywhere, and the internet will no longer be a safe place! So in a sense, locking yourself in your room for hours at a time to marathon an entire season of House of Cards will be beneficial to your social life. Right? RIGHT?!?
6. “My favorite show just ended.”
The series finale has aired and you have said goodbye to the characters you have loved and supported and watched grow for years. Now what? As the PFD (Post Finale Depression) sinks in, you may be looking to hold onto your favorite show for just a little bit longer. So, why not treat yo’self by starting shows Parks and Recreation from the beginning to reminisce about all the season one shenanigans!
7. “I. Just. Want. To.”
Why do you need to justify to anyone how you spend your free time? Now, I’m not suggesting that you should neglect all of your responsibilities to watch Netflix. Those shows aren’t going anywhere. But don’t feel guilty for taking time to enjoy some quality entertainment. No one is going to judge you, and if they do, forget them. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.