Very unique and unpopular opinion, I know, but I hate watching ads during a show. Fuck the advertisers; I refuse to pay attention.

Rather than doom scroll, I’d love to hear what you think I should do when ads are on.

To make things challenging:

*often I’m pinned to the couch by my senior dog who I’m loathe to move unnecessarily, so getting up and doing squats is often out

*loud activities are probably out, see above

*be specific, ‘I play games on my phone’ - but what can you play casually, for 30s at a time (for example) and then happily go back to watching your show?

*use adblockers bla bla, not always possible and not in the spirit of my request.

That being said, all suggestions are great - I’m sure we’ll all get something from it. Stick it to the man!

  • EldritchFeminity@lemmy.blahaj.zone
    171·
    22 days ago

    If you’re watching something on TV, record it and watch it later instead of when it airs. Even starting it 15 minutes later would probably let you fast forward through many of the ads.

  • dfyx@lemmy.helios42.de
    14·
    22 days ago

    Learn a language. Ad breaks are long enough for one or two lessons in Duolingo and probably other apps as well.

    • boogetyboo@aussie.zoneOP
      10·
      22 days ago

      Oh gosh I’ve tried Duolingo so many times over the years and never gotten far. I’m impressed with people who keep it up.

      • dfyx@lemmy.helios42.de
        5·
        22 days ago

        For me, the key was finding a regular time during the day when I do the lessons. That’s why I recommended you do it during the ad breaks.

      • Scratch@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        2·
        22 days ago

        Exercises like Duolingo are only half the battle. You need to have some immersion in the language you’re learning. Watch tv and listen to podcasts in the target language, you won’t understand (at first) but your brain will start recognising the sounds and structures.

      • sensiblepuffin@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        22 days ago

        An ex-coworker of mine recommended Mango Languages, which is supposed to be much better and also if you have a library card, you can usually get a subscription for free through them! The lessons are probably a little longer than 30 seconds, but not too much longer. I’d say a minute tops.

  • Achyu@lemmy.sdf.org
    10·
    22 days ago

    Offline Chess, Minesweeper, Sudoku etc. on your phone?
    Using an RSS reader and catching up on news?

  • Ageroth@reddthat.com
    9·
    22 days ago

    Stretch, focus on muscle groups in your hands or arms or shoulders or neck if you can’t get up, back or hips or calfs or ankles if you’re standing

  • Boomkop3@reddthat.com
    102·
    22 days ago

    It should be just enough time to call your cable provider and cancel. We’re not in the 2000’s anymore

  • Im_old@lemmy.world
    7·
    22 days ago

    make a grocery shopping list (or any to-do list)

    Stretch your legs by raising them straight (still sitting down) and rotate your feet

    Stretch your arms up and move your neck, rotate your shoulders

    Think what went well today

        • Biskii@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
          2·
          22 days ago

          I suppose that goes for most suggestions, including my own. Balatro feels like such a ‘one more turn’ kind of game I’d have a hard time pausing during a run

  • jrubal1462@mander.xyz
    5·
    22 days ago

    Have you ever played on boardgamearena? It’s a website where you can join a bunch of board games with people around the world. When it’s your turn, you have a certain number of hours or days to make your move (kinda like old timey chess by mail) and then go back to your life. You can be in many games at a time.

  • edric@lemm.ee
    41·
    22 days ago

    Drink water and walk around your living room. Stay hydrated and get a little exercise in. I also sometimes play mini crosswords because they can be done in less than a minute. Shoutout to !crossword@lemmy.world.