Do you ever find yourself in a Netflix trance? You know what I’m talking about, you start off just watching one or two episodes and you look up one season later and it's midnight. I have occasionally found myself in this trance and more often than not I regret it immediately. I can’t get back those pointless hours of watching someone else live their life instead of living my own. I have also realized that watching countless hours of TV doesn't help me relax. I never feel totally relaxed afterwards and that may be the most frustrating part. I have recently taken extreme measures to avoid this and haven’t regretted it one bit! Here are the steps to beating Netflix and getting your life back.

Step 1: Delete Netflix from your favorites on all internet browsers.

Step 2: Write a sticky note on your computer that says “Stop watching TV!”

Step 3: Set a goal for yourself. This can be only watch TV for an hour each week or one movie on the weekends. Just set a goal.

Step 4: Pick an activity to do instead.

Don't get me wrong, It will be hard at first but it gets easier the longer you do it. I've always heard it takes 29 times to make or break a habit and at that rate you will be out of the TV habit by the end of the month! I'd say the hardest part of this is finding an alternate activity that can be used in place of "relaxing" with TV. Here are a few that I have found and love.

1. Go for a walk/ hike/ run

I know, I know, you want to be laying on the couch not going outside! That's how we relax right? Well, give this a try. Next time you reach for the remote or pull up Netflix think about why you are doing it. Are you really tired or are you just bored? If you're really tired you should probably go to bed or take a nap. If you're bored, however, very few things beat a nice walk or hike. It gives you time to think away from everyone and everything, just enough to relax.

2. Color, it’s actually quite relaxing

Okay, i used to think what you are probably thinking right now...until I got one of those coloring books for adults at Christmas. I decided I would try it. I sat down, put some music on, began to color and...It was amazing! My brain totally shut off. I was only thinking about coloring and what was going on on the page. When I was finished I felt rejuvenated and ready to go about the rest of my day. I highly suggest you try it.

3. Read a book

Have you ever noticed that people we consider well educated are well read? They know what's going on around the world and are very familiar with literature which makes them "smart" to us. You can be this person too! Take some time to read a book or two every month and you will be surprised at the knowledge you gain. Trust me. It's worth it.

4. Write a letter

This one caught me by surprise one day. I was sitting at my desk thinking of what I should do and I decided to write a letter to someone. People don't write letters anymore which makes a letter special. I felt good when I sent it knowing that I would surprise the person I wrote to. Make someone's day and write them a letter.

5. Play a game

Are you thinking of something to do on a Friday night? Get some friends together and play a game. There are hundreds of games to choose from that are great to play as a group. You will spend time talking, laughing and getting to know your friends better. What could beat that?