Television. It's there, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are hundreds of channels, catering for every conceivable taste.
But what can you do if you want to buck the trend and watch less television?
Follow these useful tips to help reduce your addiction to watching TV.
1. Use the "off" switch
OK, this isn't always an option as other people in your household may get upset with you. But if you're the only person in the room, feel free to use the "off" switch or at least the "standby" button.
2. Record the programs you want to watch
With today's personal television recorders getting ever cheaper, this is a great way to cut down on the amount of television you watch. Simply fast forwarding through the commercial breaks and program trailers will cut your tv watching down dramatically.
3. Sell all those extra sets on eBay
If you don't need a television in every room, why not raise some spare cash by auctioning off all those extra sets.
4. Reposition your main TV
Chances are that your main television is the focus of the room. Have a quick change and relegate your television to somewhere in the room where it doesn't dominate things. OK this may be easier said than done with today's giant plasma TV screens but give it a try.
5. Make watching TV an occasion again
Remember when you were a kid and you actually looked forward to watching your favorite television shows? Figure out the handful of "must watch" shows and make a date with yourself to watch them (and only them!). Maybe even buy in some popcorn and soft drinks to make it even more of an occasion.
6. Cancel your cable subscription
If the thought of this doesn't send shivers down your spine, that's good. If panic set in, jot down the list of all the shows that only appear on cable that you would actually to watch (rather than the ones that you watch because they're there). How long or short is the list? Would you be able to watch the essential shows any other way? Personally, I'm addicted to 24. But they release the complete season to DVD as soon as the last episode has aired and I'd save more in cable costs than buying the DVD set costs. Just a thought!
7. Get a new hobby
You'll get the benefit of watching less TV and finding new ways to occupy your life. It's up to you whether or not surfing the web is a hobby - that pastime can be even more addictive than TV, but that's another story!