Sometimes, you just want to watch a little TV.
And the good news is, there’s definitely a place for a little TV in a productive life.
You may have heard before that multitasking – such as watching a TV show while working on something else – makes you work less efficiently and perform your tasks more poorly.
Honestly, that’s true.
… But it’s okay.
I’m very fond of reminding myself, “You’re a human, not a machine.” In other words – it’s totally fine if you’re not operating at 100% efficiency 24 hours a day.
There have been times in my work where I resisted a task so much that the only way I could make myself do it was if I let myself watch Project Runway at the same time. It totally decreased my efficiency, but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make.
My point is, it’s okay if your productivity takes a hit now and then for the sake of your sanity.
Productive things to do while watching TV
Here is my list of productive things you can do while you watch TV.
I’ve grouped these activities into 3 categories: Organization & Planning, Mindful Movement, and Uplifting Hobbies.
I consider all of these activities productive in some way (yes, even the hobbies – creative, moving-your-hands hobbies are great for your brain).
Organization & Planning
- Clean and sanitize your devices – I’m talking about your phone, headphones, keyboard, mouse, remote controls, tablets, and game controllers – the things that you never think to clean, but you know they need it!
- Organize your cords – You know, the ones that are tangled together in a drawer. I recommend putting each of them in a separate zippie bag and labeling them.
- Delete old files on your computer
- Sort through unorganized drawers
- Fold laundry
- Delete apps you don’t use frequently
- Digitize papers – Take pictures or scan your financial documents, receipts, invoices, warranty papers, user handbooks
- Mend clothes – Sew on buttons or patches to your clothes that need a little mending
- Make lists – See this article for 25+ lists I think everyone should make
- Plan your day for tomorrow
- Meal prep – Find recipes, chop veggies, boil rice, etc.
- Delete old photos on your phone
- Update your budget or finances
- Switch out your seasonal attire – Put away your winter sweaters and replace them with your summer shorts and flip-flops
Mindful Movement
- Hand and wrist stretches
- Use a foam roller to stretch your muscles
- Do some push-ups or sit-ups
- Jump rope
- Run on a treadmill
- Jump on a mini trampoline
Uplifting Hobbies
- Color in an adult coloring book
- Crochet cute things
- Do an adult-dot to-dot book
- Reverse coloring book
- Doodling or sketching
- Messy journaling – Just get all your thoughts out, don’t worry about it being coherent!
- Learn calligraphy
- Write thank-you notes
- Jewelry making
Conclusion
There are plenty of things you can do to be productive, even while you watch TV.
While I don’t think that always having a show on in the background is good for your mind (it’s constant stimulation, after all, and your brain needs a break!), multitasking while enjoying your favorite sitcom is a great way to incorporate gentle, doable productivity in your life.
If you want to make some serious progress in your work and would like some background entertainment, but find that TV distracts you a little toooo much (be honest with yourself), I recommend midi-tasking, which you can read more about here.
Recommended: Midi-Tasking… The Better Way to Multi-Task
Best of luck!
