Sit and watch TV? or do something else at the same time?

I hate sitting still (except for reading LOL), so I tend to cross stitch if we are watching tv.

It depends what I'm watching. If I was forced to sit through a whole soccer match, I would definitely be doing something else - either Peaing or scrapping on my laptop, or playing games on my phone. If I'm watching one of my favourite shows, or something with subtitles, I sit and watch without distractions.

I wouldn't normally respond as I don't watch tv. But I thought that this story might be helpful to some so this is why I'm responding.

About a month ago I took the afternoon off work. I had watched a video on what she said was a 40 minute quilt once you did all the prep work. So I thought I would give that a try. I had four text messages, two phones calls, and 6 notifications from peas (I use Tapatalk), and then my mom and sister were apparently having a group chat on Facebook messenger and that was pinging me all over the place. By the time I was done with the quilt top, I was frustrated because my 40 minute experiment turned into 5 hours.

And I realized that when I am at work in my office, I put my phone on do not disturb mode. And I get to work without interruption. And I decided right then and there that I'm putting my phone on do not disturb mode when I am busy at home too. And I have been lately and it is a little slice of heaven to be able to concentrate on whatever activity I'm doing without the phone interrupting.

And what I've found just in general is that even when my phone isn't in do not disturb mode, I'm stopping what I'm doing far less to check my phone now. And I'm loving the ability to be mindful at the activity I'm trying to enjoy.

It took me a long time to realize that my phone was a distraction a lot of the time and that I enjoy an activity so much more when I can actually focus on it alone. I was missing things because of the distraction of my phone. Now I save it for breaks and I'm much happier and I swear my concentration is improving.

I tend to play on my laptop sitting at the kitchen table while watching most general TV ... especially The Food Network or other reality shows which are favs of mine!

When watching Netflix (or other similar streaming services) though, I'll sit on the sofa and actually "watch" ... weird I know!    

I don't watch sports.    

Watching TV really isn’t my thing, but my DH *LOOOOOVES* it. He will watch anything, anytime. Doesn’t matter if he’s seen it before or not. Doesn’t matter how banal it is. Most of the time I sit with him but only halfway (or less) pay attention to what he’s watching. I’m much more selective and will only really pay attention if it’s a show I’m actually interested in and it’s something I have to pay attention closely to follow the storyline (shows like Handmaid’s Tale, Sons of Anarchy, Good Girls, Breaking Bad, shows with a lot of moving parts and complex storylines).

I almost always do something else like read on here, check email, look up recipes, scroll Facebook or Instagram, sometimes I put in one earbud and go through some Spanish lessons on DuoLingo or even watch a sewing tutorial on YouTube while I’m halfway watching what he’s watching.

I tend to play iPad games (Junes Journey) and surf here, Instagram and Facebook while I’m watching tv with dh.

If it’s light enough in the evenings I will crochet while watching. If I have some down time during my work day I will crochet while I watch things.

I don’t watch much tv- am more likely to watch something on you tube. Either way, I rarely just watch. I’m either scrapbooking or on my phone at the and time.

This is how we are. DH's family had the TV on (loudly) if their eyes were open. He doesn't watch as much as they did, but more than I do. He's retired and watches TV in the afternoon. I don't watch with him then, but after dinner, it's gotta be TV and I usually do something else.

I'm usually knitting or cross-stitching while watching. I'm only on my phone if I don't really want to be watching in the first place (which, given that I live with a lot of people, happens).

jeremysgirl, I love that you discovered you need to put your phone on do not disturb. What a great idea!

I don't watch much TV but hubby and I do watch 1-2 shows after dinner together. I usually cross stitch or crochet at that time. I actually love that part of the day.

It depends on what is being watched. If it is my favorite football team, I am completely locked in and do nothing else. (ETA: actually, I am usually involved in a fangroup discussion about the game on FB, so I do post there but it literally takes a moment and does not distract me from the game.) 

Movies and such I tend to watch with complete attention as well. But another sporting event (recently, Tour de France) or a documentary style show I will often play a game on my phone (spades or sudoku), check FB or emails, wash the dishes, fold the laundry, etc. 

I cannot just sit and watch anything during the day.  I have to have some sort of project in my lap.  But when I go to bed, I will watch something to fall asleep to.  I think just staring at a screen makes me so tired that if I don’t have something else going on, I am out before a half hour show can end.

Never just sit and watch. D/H will watch static if that is all he can find. I am not usually in the same
room as the stuff he watches, like TMZ, 1960s westerns, sitcoms such as Friends and King of Queens get on my nerves. I will go to my craft or video game room. Plus if I am out there with him there is no peace as he has to comment on everything.

When I am alone I may watch a movie or something, but will often play switch games or go online at the same time. That is why I never go to movies in a theater because I get so bored and restless and want to leave.