Let’s face it. Netflix is not all that great. I’m kidding. It is an answer to my binging needs. There are other streaming apps, but nothing kicks it quite like Netflix for me. Despite having an Android box at home, with access to just about any movie, series, documentaries, you name it, I still find my way back, sometimes crawling to Netflix.
Here’s 10 reasons why:
1. Netflix Originals can sometimes be so ‘on point’ or in other words, freaking original and a wide selection too
2. Older series are mostly complete for the ultimate binging experience
3. Streams pretty damn fast even with a mediocre connection
4. Search functions and suggested shows are like fresh baits waiting to be consumed
5. Perfect background noise function for those who can’t sleep alone or in the dark
6. Cure for loneliness and for those who have trouble moving on with life after whatever unfortunate events
7. Damn good excuse for shutting out society or need for hibernation
8. Cheaper than anything else especially if you cook your own meals
9. TV breakfast, lunch and dinner companionship that does not cancel on you
10. The joy of separating adult content from the kids and watching them on different devices with no interruptions
You see, I’ve heard bad talk about people who slaves themselves to the television, watching Netflix all day and night, but I don’t get it. What is so bad about watching stuff you like? These are good stories told either based on facts, truth or just some really creative fiction. There are plenty to learn and decoding subliminal messages in the scripts, expressions of the actors and accompanying music, takes a lot of brain work.
It’s also fabulous for emotional exercises. There are moments when you can burst into tears as much as laughter. There are times that you’d get annoyed with what is equally expected and unexpected. Sometimes, it would spark some of your own memories and make you feel like you had lived. Most of the time for me, it is inspiring. Either in the storytelling or the beautiful scenes or even dreamy actors. I feel like I get to see the world and more people from other people’s lenses. It is a blessing, really.
So, what is so bad about it? Not like I put my life on hold just to binge on Netflix. It is part of life that I appreciate having and wished I could share with the good people in my life. Otherwise, it is precious ‘me time’ from my long days and nights of worrying about the tough reality that is my life. I don’t hide under Netflix. Instead, I let it take me away to different places, in different cultures, in different settings with different people. It’s actually as good as travelling because let’s face that, not everyone can afford to travel the world for many reasons. Not everyone who travels the world gets to sit through other people’s lives.
As an empath, I understand why people get hooked on Netflix and I think it is okay. There are 1001 problems in the world today and as humans, we are natural born worriers. We worry about ourselves, our families, our friends, our income, our business, our world, etc. It gets stressful and even worse for those going through it alone. If Netflix allows them that safe haven for temporary escape for those realities, then go for it. Let them be. It is enjoyment to them. It is to me.
Popular discourse: Can it become an addiction?
It definitely can. It can be quite unhealthy because it is presumed that one is not living a balanced life. This is of course assuming the worst that Netflix bingers don’t exercise, are not productive in the work front, anti-social by choice and at risk of becoming delusional. Again, these are assumptions that people don’t have and can’t have control over their own lives.
The workaround: Balancing it out
Truth, very few people in the world have a balanced life. Most people struggle from day to day, but it does not make them unhappy. It is life as they know it.
Personally, I set a routine, or rather a daily schedule for things I should be doing before anything else and one after another. Do I follow it religiously? Only if I can afford it. This is because sometimes unplanned activities that requires my attention would creep up and most of the time, it is too important or too good to let it slide for the sake of my routine.
So routine is there, and plans were made, but I allow myself to be flexible for changes. Netflix is not in my routine or schedule. Instead, it is my go-to for a break or when my mind is too cluttered trying to fulfil the needs of my routine. It is perfectly natural to get tired of routines. That’s why some people would even go as far as calling it mundane.
Keep a few at least as a must-do. My must-do would include 30–45 mins workout daily with one- or two-days break if I’m feeling lethargic from other activities that usually involves the mind. Cook my own meals at least 3 to 4 times a week and this is usually when my daughter is around. Check and respond to my emails for no more than 30 mins every day except Saturday because that is my ultimate shutdown day. Do my laundry, clean up the house and water my plants on alternate days.
The utmost important part of my adult life is work because it pays the bills so I kept a different schedule for this because it is prone to change and again, I am flexible to change.
So, if you can be flexible to change and can make sure that your daily requirements are met, then binge all you want. I just started Virgin River last night. It is so simple to watch. I love it.
