It's always assumed that time spent watching TV shows online is time wasted, but it doesn't have to be! Read on for a few ways to maximize those hours.

1. Organize Your Desk

Assuming you watch from a desk instead of on your bed, why not tackle all those piles that have accumulated? Even if you just arrange the papers so they don’t go every which way, 20 or 40 minute periods are certainly enough to bring some order to the chaos.

2. Drink Water

It seems like everyone is always telling me to drink eight cups of water a day, but it’s much easier said than done. But when I just fill up (and refill) a tall glass of water as I watch an episode, I don’t even think about how I’m doing something that’s healthy. What better way to follow the doctor’s orders than by drinking enough water while I binge "House of Cards?"

3. Color a Coloring Book

I’ve recently been obsessed with these (free to print) coloring pages of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, so I highly recommend those. But Amazon also has a host of other coloring books-for-adults sets that are selling extremely well, so you’re not alone. Don’t knock it till you try it – it’s strangely cathartic. Plus, now you have something to hang on your wall, or refrigerator, if you really want to embrace the fact that you’re entertaining yourself in the same way children do.

4. Make Bracelets

Not kidding. Borrow the supplies from a younger sibling or friend, if possible or necessary. I’m personally a fan of string bracelets (think Candy Stripe and summer camp) and Rainbow Loom. I promise that not one of your friends is going to complain that you made them a bracelet in your free time without their asking. Seriously, who doesn’t like friendship bracelets???

With a little bit of creativity, it’s not hard to make your Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go-watching time productive.

Comment with any other ideas!