5+ Reasons to Smash Your TV in Right Now!

 ....or at least stop watching this week. 

The average American watches five hours of TV a day. 

It's not a good thing.

from flickr - the great 8 

However this coming week, April 29th - May 5th, is National Turn Off Your TV Week.

Here are 5 reasons you should Turn off your TV this week: 

1) It's not productive - In a recent 2012 study on multi-tasking from Ohio State found that those who tried to read a book while watching TV had a significant decrease in what they retained over those who focused solely on the book. Another fellow blogger, Zach Brunke, writes about how he improved his productivity here.

2) It entrances you (not in a good way) - If you've read up anything on brain waves you might be familiar with the fact that there are 4 main types of brain waves; Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta. Beta waves are typically in effect when we are awake, alert and thinking about something. Alpha waves are in effect when we are in a state of both physical and mental relaxation. TV actually switches the brain to Alpha waves. Good right? Well while your in that relaxed state your more susceptible to influence and messages... like advertisements. 

3) It lowers your self-image (if you look like me that is) -  An Indiana University study that focused on both black and white children found that after prolonged watching of TV, black children tend to have a lower level of self esteem since often black individuals are presented in a negative light. White children,  more specifically white boys, are typically shown to have higher levels of self-esteem after hours of TV watching as white males are typically shown in positions of power.

4) It may cause ADD - Numerous studies from Harvard and beyond have determined that large amounts of TV during early childhood can result in ADD or ADHD later on in life. Dr. Dimitri Christakis who has done a number of studies on the topic discussed it during this TEDx Rainier talk:

5) There are better things to do - There are a number of things you can do instead of watching TV and still be able to entertain yourself. Call a friend. Go on a walk. Check out a meetup.com group. Read a book. Make a multi-step plan to get to your next goal (That's what I'll be doing anyway). If you live in the developed world you are someone blessed beyond what could be expected in the developing world - go outside and enjoy this life that you've been blessed with don't just sit on a couch watching your life pass away.

+)(Guys) It lowers your sperm count - I was just looking around on the interwebs and came across this article at the last moment. Another reason not to watch TV is because guys who watch little to no TV have almost double the sperm count of those that watch over 20 hours a week. If you're trying for a baby and not reaching success you may want to hide the clicker for at least a week.

I hope you'll join me in this semi-annual week focused on weaning people from the addiction of (at least one of) the glowing rectangular boxes in your life.

What do you think? Does TV have some positive qualities I haven't mentioned here? I'd love to hear from you in the comments box.