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There’s no denying that procrastination chips away at productivity. But when it comes to the creative process, Adam Grant, a professor of management and psychology at the Wharton School, has found that procrastination can lead to better ideas. Grant cited an experiment conducted by one of his former students. Jihae Shin, now a professor at the University of Wisconsin, asked some people to generate business ideas. Some were asked to submit the ideas immediately while others were given five minutes to play Minesweeper or Solitaire. The procrastinators’ ideas were 28% better than the rest. Grant wrote, “It was only when they first learned about the task and then put it off that they considered more novel ideas. It turned out that procrastination encouraged divergent thinking.”
Now that you’ve learnt about the pros of procrastination, it’s time to sit back and spend a day binge-watching, without feeling GUILTY about it. There’s no point whiling away time if you’re just going to regret every second of it. Neither will you finish your work nor will you be able to relax. Treat yourself to a day of doing nothing.
One way I like to spend my “doing nothing” days is by binge-watching. It’s the perfect escape from reality. And this is how I do it,
Creating a cozy set-up is essential for an enjoyable binge-watching experience. Get onto your bed or your sofa and just surround yourself with cushions and blankets. The end goal here is to create an atmosphere where you can sink into comfort. If you’re planning to spend hours on the screen make sure to adjust your device settings in a way that it’s not harmful to the eye. Dim the lights around you, or open up the curtains if that’s what you want.
Don’t forget that snacks are a must. Popcorn is the quintessential choice, and you can easily elevate it from a simple treat to a gourmet experience. Consider experimenting with flavors like caramel, cheese, or spicy sriracha to delight your taste buds. Chips and dips are another favorite, with tortilla chips accompanied by fresh guacamole or salsa, while hummus pairs wonderfully with crisp veggie sticks. For those with a sweet tooth, candy options like chocolate bars and gummy snacks can provide that much-needed sugar rush. If you’re looking for something healthier, a homemade trail mix of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate makes for a satisfying snack that balances indulgence with nutrition. For a special treat, whip up some cookies or brownies in advance.
Now that you’re done with all the preparations, the next and well the hardest step is to choose what you want to watch. I highly recommend keeping a watchlist ready for next time, because sometimes you can spend hours browsing which show to watch. To save you some time, I have some suggestions.
Action/Adventure:
- K.G.F
- Baahubali
- URI: The Surgical Strike
- Mad Max
- Indiana Jones
- John Wick
- Mirzapur
Drama
- Parasite
- The crown (6 seasons)
- Masaan
- Laapataa Ladies
- Riverdale
Comedy
- Fleabag
- 3 idiots
- Brooklyn 99
- Modern Family
- Hera Pheri
- Dhamaal
- Welcome to Waikiki
- Chhichore
Romance
- La La Land
- Normal People
- Pride and Prejudice
- Me Before You
- Sex Education
Thriller
- Elite
- Sacred Games
- Night Manager
- Stranger Things
- Monster (Dahmer)
- Money Heist
Horror
- Marianne
- Tumbbad
- Hereditary
- The Exorcist
Historical
- Paatal Lok
- Peaky Blinders
- Anne with an E
- Shogun
- Schindler’s List
Coming of the Age
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower
- Mean Girls (2004)
- Little Women
- Outer Banks
- Teen Wolf
- I'mmature
- Wake up Sid
Now these are just some series/ movies. They are arranged in no particular order.
Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Keep everything you need within reach. However, make sure to pause and walk around. You don’t actually have to sit around in one place. Move around once in a while. Shows have a way of getting under your skin, especially emotional dramas or horror series. After a long binge of something intense, take a break with a light-hearted show or a nature documentary. A pro knows that the right time to take a bathroom break is during the intro or end credits. If you’re watching something with lengthy intros this is your chance to take a quick bathroom run without missing any action. Oh and after finishing an episode or a movie, you can head over to online forums where you can discuss the show. One common platform is Reddit. Almost every series/ movie has a subreddit of its own, no matter how small or big. Always remember that under no circumstance, should you ever ruin your sleep schedule just to watch “one more episode”. Yes, cliffhangers are annoying but they shouldn’t be messing with your sleep. We all know the pain of waiting months (or years) for a new season after a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. To avoid this, try to binge series that have completed their run.
Becoming a couch potato isn’t just about watching TV — it’s about embracing the lifestyle. From setting the perfect environment to strategically selecting shows and snacks, being a pro-binge-watcher requires a bit of planning and dedication. So, grab your remote, settle in, and let the binge-watching marathon begin!