26 Things To Do At Night Instead Of Watching TV

Catching up on your favorite show can be relaxing and, of course, entertaining. But it’s also really easy to just zone out and mindlessly watch one thing after another. Before you know it, hours of your evening have been wasted. In fact, on average, the typical American watches just over 5 hours of TV a day! Of course, some TV is fine. But spending too much time in front of the screen will have a negative impact on your health.

Blue light emitted from televisions, tablets, and smartphone screens stimulates the body. This can cause you to have trouble falling asleep at a normal hour. It’s best to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime. And it isn’t just or physical health that can be impacted. Watching hours of television is isolating even if you’re not watching it alone. It takes away time that could be spent with your partner, or children in a more meaningful way.

And this next thought might be the biggest downside of all! The accumulation of lost hours that could have been used doing something more meaningful. It’s time spent that we can never get back. So, with that thought in mind, here’s a list of 26 things to do at night instead of watching TV.

Things To Do At Night Instead Of Watching TV

Connect

Deep Conversations

If you live with your partner, setting aside time to talk undisturbed is important. It’s a chance to plan out future short and long-term goals, and what you need to do to reach them. Or anything else of importance that’s on your mind.

Give Your Partner A Massage/Foot Rub

Give your partner a massage or foot rub. It’s a nice way to show them appreciation, and if you take turns, you’ll both relax.

Journal

A daily journal practice has a long list of benefits including, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. As well as providing a space for self-encouragement and positive self-talk.

Call A Friend

Spend some time catching up with a friend. You never know who might really be in need of a good chat.

Play Board Games

Board games are of course for two or more players. So it’s a chance to bring the family together and spend fun quality time together. Or you can host some friends for a game night (and show off those new cooking skills).

Get Creative

Bake

In many cultures all around the world, baking is an expression of love. And giving your baked goods leads to a feeling of well-being. But it’s much more than just an act of love. It requires you to focus your attention on specific step-by-step instructions, forcing you to be mindful and in the moment. Being productive in this way can stop overactive thoughts and anxiety.

DIY Project

Do something or create something that you might have normally hired someone else to do, or went to the store to buy. Getting out of your comfort zone and learning some new skills can help save you some money. But on top of that, you get a rewarding sense of satisfaction at completing a new project.

Paint

There have been many studies that show the connection between creative expression and overall wellbeing. Besides being a beneficial creative outlet, you could end up with some masterpieces to hang on your walls. Or you can gift your art to friends.

Doodle/Color

Coloring isn’t just for kids. Studies have shown that in adults, coloring can be useful in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. As well as improving focus and concentration.

Do A Puzzle

Puzzles are fun to do with the family. But even if you do them solo they still offer the same benefits. Studies show that people who do jigsaw and crossword puzzles have longer life spans. They also have less chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, and dementia.

Mood Board

These boards or collages are a creative way to set a vision and mood for an upcoming project. Whether it’s a vacation, redecorating, or future goals. Instead of writing a list of new years resolutions, I like to make a vision board. This way I can keep a visual of the goals I’d like to achieve fresh in my mind.

Learn A New Skill

Learn To Play A Musical Instrument

Learning to play a new instrument has many benefits. It improves your time management, concentration, listening, and reading skills. Playing music can help with insomnia, stress, and depression as well as allow you to express yourself in new ways.

Take An Online Class Or Course

Have you’ve been thinking about learning a new skill or furthering your education. An online course could be the way to go. Especially if your days are already too busy. At this point in time, there really isn’t much you cant learn online.

Learn To Cook

Crack open some cookbooks and look up some new recipes. Teaching yourself to be a fantastic cook is a worthwhile endeavor. And you’ll be able to impress your friends with your newfound skills.

Knit

Knitting is a very relaxing and rewarding hobby to pick up. Know anyone about to have a baby? A handmade baby blanket from a loved one can be a lifelong gift.

Exercise

Go For A Walk

Walking is good for more than burning extra calories. It has also been found to help ease joint pain and tame a sweet tooth. Read this post if you need help finding motivation to work out.

Stretch Or Foam Roll

Stretching and rolling out any kinks and soreness can help you achieve a better night’s sleep.

Do A Yoga Class

A relaxing nighttime yoga class can help you release any stress and tension. It can also bring you a sense of peace and calm.

Relax

Have A Glass Of Wine

Many people enjoy ending their day with a glass of wine. And you can have it while listening to music and working on a puzzle or reading a book.

Enjoy A Cup Of Tea

If wine’s not your thing, a hot cup of herbal tea is a comforting and relaxing way to wind down. Lemonbalm, peppermint, ginger, and fennel tea are all great for digestion before bed. And valerian root, chamomile, and lavender tea can help you achieve a goodnight’s sleep.

Meditate

Meditation has been shown to have many benefits including lengthening your attention span. It can also enhance self-awareness and promote better emotional health.

Read A Book

Reading helps prevent age-related cognitive decline, prepares you for a good night’s rest, reduces stress, builds your vocabulary, and increases your ability to empathize with others.

Listen To A Podcast or Audio Book

Listening to a podcast or audiobook is a great way to multitask. You can listen to a fictional adventure or professionals talk about subjects you’re interested in while doing most of the other things on this list.

Stargaze

In LA we don’t have too many stars. However, whenever I’m out of the city I always spend some time outside at night gazing up at the stars. Besides bringing a sense of peace, I find it also helps put life into perspective.

Take A Hot Bath or Long Shower

Hot water helps relax the body by relieving sore and stiff muscles. Add some bath salts or lavender essential oils for further relaxation.

Pamper Yourself

The evening is a good time to do your face masks, hair masks, and other beauty rituals. You don’t have to worry about being short on time so you get to relax. You’ll also have the added benefit of waking up with glowing skin. This is the time I get much of my beauty maintenance schedule taken care of.

Making The Most Of The Day

I believe in learning something new every day, taking time out of a busy schedule to take care of yourself, and making the most of each day. I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you found some useful ideas in this list of 26 things to do at night instead of watching TV.

Xx Monti