Is Your Body Ready For Binge-Watching?

Queue Up These Healthy Tips for a Focused Viewing Experience

“Yes, I would like to keep watching.”

And with that, yet another binge-watching adventure begins. We all do it – we stare at our TVs or squint at our devices to binge watch back-to-back episodes of beloved shows for hours on end until all of a sudden, the series comes to a close and we’re on the hunt for a new obsession. Maybe there’s a tinge of sadness after the series finale, but for many, the end of one series means it’s time to queue up the next great thing.

We’re bingers. And we’re not sorry about it. We’ll brag about it on social media, with our friends and at the water cooler with colleagues. You’re probably one of us, too. Netflix recently took a look at their data to identify patterns and habits of their being-watching subscribers. They found that on average, even the slowest binge-watchers finished an entire season within six days, on average. The most ravenous bingers, meanwhile, did it in a mere four days.

But if we insist on binging (especially in short time periods), shouldn’t we try to do it healthily? If you are diving into a weekend of watching your favorite HBO series, here are three ways to help make sure your next binge session – however long – is a healthy one.

1.      Avoid Digital Eyestrain

We may not realize it, but long hours of watching our favorite shows on digital screens can lead to dry, irritated, and just plain worn out eyes.

Small type and pixelated images force our eyes to work harder in order to focus. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also keep us from catching some of the best scenes from our favorite shows.

The remedy? Try the “20-20-20” tip. Every 20 minutes, focus your gaze away from the screen on an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to give your eyes a much-needed break.

Get more info about the harmful effects of all that screen time, and how Eyezen+™ lenses can help reduce digital eyestrain.

2.      Squat While You Watch

You may have the comfiest couch ever, but sitting in the same spot for hours at a time just isn’t healthy. Being sedentary can cause minor back and neck pain, and may even lead to serious issues like blood clots. This scary fact was revealed by researchers in Japan who found that for every additional two hours of TV-watching per day, the risk of a deadly blood clot in the lung increased by 40 percent.

You can still watch your favorite shows for hours at a time – just remember to stay active by doing simple things like squats, walking around, and flexing your calves.

3.      Snack With Purpose

Your favorite show is only as good as your favorite snack, right? When coupled with a busy session of not moving, snacking smartly is key. Consider mixing in a few healthy options along with your go-to faves. Try fruit instead of candy for your sugar fix. Get your crunch from carrots or celery instead of chips. If you choose to have a 21-and-older style beverage, be sure to chase it with plenty of water for some healthy hydration.

Did we miss anything? Share your best healthy binge-watching tips – and the number one show that keeps you glued to your seat – with us on Facebook or Twitter!

NOTE: This post is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Game of Thrones or HBO.