Controlling the TV

Many time-management experts identify flopping in front of the TV as a major cause of lost time, fatigue, and dissatisfaction. How often do you watch programmes you don't enjoy, simply because there's nothing else on?

• Watching programmes by habit gobbles up time. Study viewing guides and mark what you want to see most.
• Don't habitually turn on randomly, in the hope of chancing on something interesting.
• Use a VCR or PVR (such as SKY+) and only watch the programmes you want to really watch at the time when you really feel like it.
• How many channels do you really need? Consider cancelling subscriptions and removing the satellite dish.