Television

There is nothing inherently wrong with the TV: most of us enjoy the occasional lazy evening slumped before the telly, but there is a sense in which you are not doing anything, you are having something done to you.

Watching TV is the apex of inactivity. I once took part in a test with a simple lie detector. It worked a treat when it was used normally, but when the user was also watching the TV they could lie with impunity, because the detector hardly reacted no matter what the question. Responses were almost flat-lining. So sure, watch the TV, but try not to let it be you only way to use up free time.

If you find it hard to tear yourself away, try to avoid regular commitments, especially early evening ones because once it has you in its grasp it'll try its hardest not to let go. That's what TV schedulers do and they are good at their job.

The fastest way to avoid that commitment is to give up soaps. Honestly. Give it a month while you forget their pointless (and let's not forget-fictional) lives and you will feel liberated.