5 reasons why binge watching the latest series is a better use of your time than playing a board game for the fifth time in a row
My old school Bop It! sits on the coffee table alongside a bucket of Jenga blocks and a stack of Uno cards. A 750-piece puzzle and an unopened game of “That’s What She Said” lays on the kitchen table.
When I came home from college because of the quarantine, my parents brought out every game in the house and invested in some new ones. Still, we hit the play button on the remote instead.
Here are five reasons why:
It takes up more time
According to a HuffPost article, an average game of Monopoly is designed to last 60 to 90 minutes. That’s just great. One of the longest board games ever, and it only takes up an hour-and-a-half of your 24-hour day in quarantine.
Board games and puzzles are great, but they start and end rather quickly. So you can just play another round, right? Well, after the fifth round of Monopoly, you’re bound to be over it.
Streaming T.V. shows and movies provides you with an endless amount of content. The average person binge-watches five hours a day. If you’re looking to fill up time, that’s a much better stat than the hour and a half to play Monopoly.
Unlike a game that’s repetitive, streaming allows you to unlock new content to take you down every unexpected twist and turn. So there will always be something new awaiting you!
It’s relevant
Two words: “Tiger King.” Yep, you know exactly what I’m talking about, as you’ve seen it talked about everywhere.
Watching relevant movies, shows and series can help keep you in the loop during this socially distanced time. While we can’t physically go out and experience things together, at least we can engage in a shared kind of entertainment.
In a meeting last week, my professor brought up the must watch documentary, “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.” I’m not going to dive into a review, but we were able to engage in a conversation about the five-and-a-half hour binge. My parents, friends and social media buddies also had conversations about the show.
It’s educational
I guess Uno can teach you about colors and numbers, but if you’re reading this, I think you already know those fundamental basics. The Game of Life can teach you some valuable lessons, but there’s no better way to learn than sitting and staring at a screen. I mean, that’s how we’re all currently expanding our education anyway, right?
Maybe watching “Friends,” “Breaking Bad” and all the “Avengers” movies isn’t very educational, but sort through that endless catalog of movies and shows and you’ll be surprised.
“13th” on Netflix talks about the history of the American prison system and its correlation to racism. “Tales By Light” looks into the stories of the many beautiful photographs taken throughout a journey. Netflix’s “Defying The Nazis: The Sharps’ War” tells the story of two individuals who commit to missions in Europe that save hundreds of people.
There are plenty of documentaries, shows and movies found throughout streaming services that encompass food, people, space and more.
It’s a family affair
Being absorbed in a series can definitely remove you from those around you, but what if you’re all watching that same series together?
When I watched “Tiger King” (yes, I’m still talking about it), I didn’t watch it alone. My mom, dad, dog and I all squished on the couch and watched it together. Then I watched “Five Feet Apart” (fitting for the social distancing time) and my dad joined me as we ate lunch together.
Watching movies, tv shows and series can be a shared experience that allows you to laugh,cry and everything in between together.
It’s now or never
Before COVID-19 shut down the outside world, when was the last time you had hours of free time?
My calendar was always booked solid with homework, study dates, meetings and dinners. Now, all I have to worry about is school.
If there was ever a time to sit back, relax and do nothing, it’s now. Have a Marvel marathon or watch “Grey’s Anatomy” and don’t feel guilty about it. Why? Because by staying home and streaming for hours, you’re helping save the world.