How Much Netflix Is Too Much Netflix? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

How Much Netflix Is Too Much Netflix?

The side effects of a Netflix binge.

713
How Much Netflix Is Too Much Netflix?
Cord Cutter's News

I think we all have had a T.V. marathon at least a few times in our lives, and for some of us it has become a bit of a habit. I mean who doesn’t love curling up in bed with your favorite blanket while you binge watch your most recent favorite T.V. show. Don’t forget the Ben & Jerry’s! Anyway, what exactly is considered a "binge" when watching Netflix? A few episodes? A whole season? Where do we draw the line?

This week I think I have binge watched more episodes of Netflix than I have seen all semester. How much did I watch you ask? I am not sure you are prepared for this, but one day I watched twelve hours of Supernatural. Combined for the whole week I have watched probably around forty hours of Supernatural. Yes, I know, that is a lot of T.V. Personally, I don’t know how it happened. I just didn’t have a lot of homework this week and I ended up staying up till 1 a.m. three nights in a row watching it. When I realized how much time I was wasting, it hit me like a brick wall.

I feel like I should mention that it was not 12 straight hours, but nonetheless that was most of my day and then some. Now, of course a binge like that cannot be done without some notable side effects. One thing I noticed when I went to dinner with some friends is that my thought process was considerably slower than normal. On top of that my eyes were having a hard time staying focused on one thing for very long and my head ached with a dull throb. My friends could tell there was something up and when I explained, they all were aghast, mostly at how I had the time to do so. What can I say, I had no homework and very little impulse control.

The thing that bothered me the most was how noticeably slower my thought process was during this time. I could literally feel my brain being sucked dry by the hours upon hours of mindless staring at the screen. At first I thought Supernatural was to blame, after all it is a very interesting series to say the least. And I didn’t even have to click the next button, Netflix did it for me. All I had to do was relax in my bed and watch the drama unfold before me.

I learned through this several different things. Number one: I have a problem with self-control. You might be thinking, yeah no kidding, but I honestly didn’t think I had a problem with it until now. Two: I was using it as a means to escape my depression, when really I think it was only furthering it. When I watch Netflix, I don’t have to think and that means I don’t have to worry about all of my problems and continue to feel sorry for myself. It was an escape, and I took it. Three: I was missing out on life. Yes, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Netflix and the occasional binge is not a bad thing, but I spent most of my week in front of a screen. Who knows what conversations I missed out on or what opportunities I let fly by. We are not here to escape life, but rather to live it. Yes, I am a firm believer in living vicariously through the lives of others, but at some point, you need to go outside and live your own life.

So go out there and do something worth it. Write a letter to someone (seriously how special does it feel when you get a letter?), go on a walk in the out of doors, call your mom and maybe watch a few episodes on Netflix because life is all about balance.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

14175
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6178
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4570
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4012
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments