This weekend was about relaxation. Did I work on getting laundry done and cleaning the house? Yes. Did I do meal prep and complete our running around for the week? Yes. But did I also watch a disgusting amount of TV with naps in between? Also yes. And you know what? I think it was great. Isn’t that the whole point of having a weekend? To rest and relax after a long week at work.

And yet, people will judge you. There seems to be this new perception that binge watching TV automatically means you are lazy, boring and not doing what you are needing to do. If you are not being productive, you are wasting your time. But I must disagree. Watching TV can and are a necessary part of recharging and being productive. Taking care of yourself is productive even if it is not measurable and for a long time I didn’t see that.

Television and movies are created to elicit emotions, comfort and entertainment. And what is wrong with that? What is wrong with watching your favorite show because it brings you comfort or reminds you of another time in your life? Life is heavy. Period. I know it. You know it. And in this current climate, I know we all are doing our best to try and negate it in some capacity, and for me it has been television and movies.

I watched some romantic comedies because I love watching about love. Even if it is fake and not realistic, I love the idea and feeling that goes with newly dating or reconnecting during a long term relationship. I watched some old favorites that I used to watch when studying for exams. Those are the shows that I know by heart and can just listen to as I lay on the couch. They bring comfort and a background when my mind is racing or I am trying to nap. I watched some action movies to entertain me and feel that element of suspense that I do not want in my own current life. And I watched sad shows because I am working on feeling my emotions again and I needed to have a decent cry.

And you know what? It was all productive. It was productive because it was needed. It was needed for me to take some time where I didn’t have a deadline or an expectation or anyone asking me for something. It was productive because it meant hubby and I spent some time together on the couch. And it was productive because I let myself do it. Guilt free. Without question. And because my body was telling me I needed it. For the first time in a long time, I actually listened to my body and that in itself is productive!

Now, I know that there are going to be those naysayers who can talk about all the negative effects of how often we are watching television and that reading, and getting outside is going to the wayside. I am not promoting JUST watching TV. I am not saying you should not read a book or go outside. What I am saying is that sometimes, spending a weekend on a couch is needed. Having that cozy blanket, a bowl of popcorn and the remote is refreshing in a way that may be just what you needed. It is necessary to free up the mind and find that balance.

So, do it. Watch that show. Tape that movie. Grab that blanket. And do it guilt free. Do it because you want to and if someone says anything to you about it, tell them to piss off!