10 Reasons Why Binge-Watching TV Series Is Slowly Killing Us (11 photos)

Sitting in front of a TV screen and binge-watching TV series may seem like harmless fun. However, there are serious consequences associated with this type of binge-watching. In this article, we'll explore 10 reasons why this habitual ritual can slowly but surely harm our health and well-being. Are you ready to learn about the potential dangers hidden behind the pleasure of endless TV series?





Research conducted at the University of Texas at Austin has found that watching large numbers of TV series at once leads to depression, loneliness, and even obesity. "While some people argue that TV marathons are not a bad habit, these findings suggest a problem," the researchers state.

Here are ten reasons why binge-watching TV series and shows is ruining your health.

Blue Screens Dull Your Brain



If you frequently binge-watch movies, your brain function may be at risk. According to Healthline, spending more than three hours a day watching TV can ultimately lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and weakened communication skills.

As a child, you probably thought a few hours in front of the TV after school was fine. But perhaps this pastime back then was doing you more harm than you realized.

Are you spending more than 3.5 hours a day watching TV? Think about it: this time could be spent doing something more intellectually beneficial—for example, reading or playing board games. For those who binge-watch movies, we recommend trying reading instead.

You isolate yourself for several hours





Most apartments have multiple televisions. With this in mind, everyone in the house can watch different programs without disturbing each other. So, even in a room full of people, you're voluntarily isolating yourself by being glued to the screen.

According to Psychology Today magazine, a US sociological study found that 56% of respondents enjoy binge-watching alone, quickly losing track of time. Watching TV with family, friends, or a partner will help you avoid such binge-watching.

Lack of Fresh Air and Vitamin D



Not only do you risk brain damage by binge-watching your favorite TV series, but this hobby can also deprive you of sunlight. According to an article in Time, staying indoors all day can disrupt the body's circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep, appetite, and energy. However, spending more time in nature can improve both your mood and mental health.

Sudden onset of anxiety and depression can be linked to binge-watching. Be sure to take breaks and go outside at least a few times a day.

Binge-watching can trigger overeating.



Lack of connection with the outside world can trigger depression. And depression is known to lead to eating disorders. Overeating can be triggered by anger, anxiety, boredom, sadness, and other negative emotions.

The comedy "The Office" will keep you smiling throughout the entire show, but it might also make you reach for chips or cookies. Keep this in mind the next time you pass the fruit and vegetable aisle at the grocery store and head for the junk food section.

No Daily Physical Activity



According to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health, prolonged sitting can increase the risk of heart disease. If your only exercise is walking to the remote control you left across the room, you're doing your body a disservice.

Even light exercise is better than prolonged sitting. Any half-hour of activity, such as cleaning, can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 17%.

You have difficulty concentrating on work and other tasks.



When a TV show is in full swing, you may find yourself thinking only about what will happen next. Conversations with friends often shift from any topic to discussing the show's intricate plot. This can be a serious distraction from important matters, even when the TV is off.

Stopping binge-watching movies will not only free up time for active recreation, but will also allow you to clear your mind and focus on more important tasks than the show you've been obsessing over this week.

You're getting lazy



Typically, when you're truly engrossed in a TV series, your entire attention is focused on the screen. At that moment, you don't bother doing laundry or cleaning the bathroom because you're afraid of missing something. This leads to the development of total laziness, which is difficult to overcome.

After a vacation or illness, it can be difficult to get back into the work rut. The same principle applies to binge-watching TV series—you get trapped.

Sleep problems appear



Some people turn on the TV to fall asleep. While this often works, surveys show that 88% of adults sacrifice sleep to binge-watch TV. This negatively impacts health, reducing sleep quality, causing insomnia, and stimulating the body before bed.

The body becomes stiff from lack of movement



Unless you're one of those people who watches TV for long periods while walking on a treadmill, spending long periods in front of a screen carries the same risks as sitting at a desk all day. Experts from the Mayo Clinic have found that sitting for more than eight hours a day without physical activity is as dangerous to health as smoking and obesity.

Mayo Clinic doctors recommend taking breaks from work and standing up every half hour. When watching a movie, commercial breaks are helpful, as they give you the opportunity to step away from the TV and not miss the action.

You're caught in a vicious cycle



It's a vicious cycle. You start watching one episode. Before you know it, five hours have passed, and you've watched half the series. You didn't expect to fall so deep into the Netflix vortex, but here you are. Starting the first episode was dangerous, especially if it's a gripping series that won't let you fall asleep.

Try to limit your screen time. You're not getting paid to watch "The Office," are you? If you turn on the movie in the evening, a couple of hours before bed, and try to control your time, you'll definitely avoid binge-watching.