Buzz
Marathon viewing, also known as binge-watching, has emerged as a prevalent method of enjoying television series. Nowadays, many shows are released with entire seasons available at once, facilitating seamless marathon viewing experiences. To initiate your marathon viewing journey, all you'll need is a streaming platform or a collection of DVDs, along with some snacks and a cozy spot to settle in!
Procedure
Preparation Steps
Free up your schedule. If you're planning to indulge in marathon viewing, it's crucial to ensure that you have no other immediate commitments for the remainder of the day. While you may initially intend to attend your dinner plans at 8, once you find yourself deeply immersed in the world of your chosen series, you'll regret not cancelling those plans. If you're planning to indulge in marathon viewing, it's crucial to ensure that you have no other immediate commitments for the remainder of the day. While you may initially intend to attend your dinner plans at 8, once you find yourself deeply immersed in the world of your chosen series, you'll regret not cancelling those plans.
- The duration required depends on the length of the series. Some single-season shows can be completed in just a couple of hours, while longer-running series may necessitate multiple binge-watching sessions spread across several weeks.
Secure a cozy spot. You'll be spending quite some time here, so choose a spot that allows you to adjust your position for maximum comfort. Opt for binge-watching on your couch or in a recliner. If feasible, watch on a TV rather than a computer or mobile device to minimize eye strain.
- While binge-watching Orange is the New Black from the comfort of your bed may seem appealing, watching TV in bed can disrupt your sleep. The blue light emitted by screens simulates sunlight, tricking your brain into thinking it's daytime.
Stock up on snacks. It's essential to stay hydrated and fueled during your binge-watching marathon, so ensure your fridge is packed with your favorite snacks. To avoid excessive calorie intake, opt for healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and low-fat popcorn.
- Pre-portion less healthy snacks like chips into individual bags to prevent overeating in one sitting.
Make hydration a priority during your binge-watching session by drinking more water. Fill a large thermos with ice water and keep it nearby, refilling it during breaks. Add a few lemon slices or berries to infuse your water with natural flavor.
Selecting Your Series
Take advantage of a streaming service's free trial if you don't already have one. Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Go frequently offer a complimentary 30-day trial period for new users. This provides an excellent opportunity to binge-watch a series without incurring any costs.
- Usually, you'll need to provide your credit card information to access the free trial. Just remember to cancel before the trial period ends to avoid being charged.
Buddy up with a friend who has an account if you don't have one. If you're not keen on starting a free trial, invite a friend with a streaming service to binge-watch with you. Watching a show is usually more enjoyable with company.
- Ensure your friend hasn't seen the show to avoid spoilers, unless they can watch it again without giving anything away. Group binge-watching can also be fun to keep everyone awake and engaged.
Check your local cable listings for show marathons. Cable channels often air multiple episodes of a show, especially before a new season airs. If you have a DVR, set it to record for later viewing. If not, plan your binge-watching around the airing schedule!
Invest in a show on DVD or digitally. When you purchase a show, you have unlimited viewing! You can opt for the DVD or Blu-ray version, or buy a digital copy through services like iTunes.
Decide on the show you want to watch. Choosing a show to binge-watch on DVD is straightforward. However, if you're using a streaming service, it can be challenging to pick. Seek recommendations from friends, browse online binge-watching guides, or ask your social media contacts for suggestions.
Ensuring Comfort
Opt for food delivery to skip cooking. Binge-watching offers a rare chance to fully unwind — a luxury many of us rarely indulge in. Maximize it by having food delivered while you binge-watch.
- If you've been munching on healthy snacks, treat yourself to Chinese take-out or pizza. Other options include ramen noodles, Totinos pizza rolls, or perhaps sushi.
- Check if there's a meal delivery service like Waitr or Uber Eats in your area to enjoy a dish from your favorite local restaurant delivered straight to your door!
Stay active while watching. Binge-watching TV can slow down your metabolism, leading to various health issues. Counteract this by staying active during your viewing session. Take breaks to stretch between episodes, hit pause after exciting scenes, or tackle chores like folding laundry or washing dishes.
- Even a brief 1-minute workout can offset some of the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Jog in place, do a quick series of jumping jacks, or perform as many pushups as you can in 1 minute between episodes.
Power down the screen 30 minutes before bedtime. To ensure a restful night's sleep, give your brain time to unwind. Allow yourself at least half an hour after binge-watching before attempting to sleep.
