TV Time Really Matters

If you’re living in an average family, your TV is on for at least seven hours a day. Yes, we all have our little guilty pleasures—especially when it comes to reality shows. They’re downright addictive.

But too much TV really can hurt you. Many studies have shown that TV time affects concentration, decreases reading time, and affects your ability to comprehend difficult passages. But a recent report reveals more alarming news about TV time: that it can hurt your brain when you need it most.

A recent report shows that watching TV as a teen affects your ability to learn as a young adult. In other words, the hours you spend watching TV in high school can have an adverse effect on your ability to learn during your college years.

What can you do?

• Use a task diary to find out how much time you actually spend watching TV.
• Come up with a TV diet plan.
• Develop a reading list and commit to it.
• Review these tips for reading difficult books.

You don't have to cut all the fun out of your life. But to give yourself a competitive edge now and during college, you really need to establish healthy habits when it comes to sleeping, eating, reading, exercising, and watching TV!