Sociologists dub the 21st century as the era of the “couch potato-fication” of America. With everything accessible at the tap of a button and food arriving at your door 24/7, it’s challenging to resist the pull towards being a dopamine-enjoying couch potato. The real question is, have you already embraced this lifestyle?
Signs You Are a Couch Potato
With all due respect, if you are overweight and your usual spot is the couch, well, you might just be a couch potato. But to confirm, take a peek at our Couch Potato Checklist. (Scoring three out of the following five signs means you’ve officially joined the spud squad.)
You Have a Personalized Spot on the Couch
Couch potatoes are serious about their designated spots on the couch. It’s off-limits to others, and they’re pretty defensive about it. Their spot is often equipped with quality-of-life enhancers like remote controls, water bottles, or snacks.
You Always Prefer Indoor Activities
If being outdoorsy ranks at a solid 0% on your scale, you’re a prime candidate for the couch potato club. These folks would rather face agonizing boredom at home than venture out for some outdoor fun.
You Take TV and Movies Seriously
Do you get annoyed when you miss an episode of your favorite show? Are you the reigning champion of binge-watching everything on TV? If the answer is yes, you’re officially in the couch potato league—no arguments needed.
Suggested for You: Do You Have Good or Bad Taste in TV?
Your Uber Eats Account Is Way too Active
An excess of fast food? Poor diet is another telltale sign of a TV-obsessed homebody. If you catch yourself frequently ordering food and indulging in binge-eating sessions while you binge-watch, well, there’s no denying it—you’re a couch potato.
Working Out Is Your Nightmare
Skipping workouts? Despising walks? Losing your breath after a few stairs? If these scenarios sound all too familiar, it’s safe to say you’ve earned the title of a certified couch potato.
Is Being a Couch Potato Bad?
While a bit of couch potato tendencies might be in all of us, turning into a TV-obsessed, chronically online, unhealthy potato and treating that lifestyle like a full-time job isn’t ideal. It’s a good call to introduce some physical activity, work out, and steer clear of a sedentary lifestyle as much as possible.
After endless couch sessions and TV shows or video game obsessions, the next stop might be depression and heart problems. Break free from the cycle, step out into the real world, and don’t let physical limitations isolate you.
By the way, if you find yourself trapped in the world of social media rather than TV, consider taking our “Am I Addicted to My Phone?” quiz. It might provide a clearer overview of your current situation.
How to Know For Sure If You’re a Potato-fied Homebody
Frank W. Booth and Michael D. Roberts from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine found that more than 30 genes play a role in a person’s inclination toward laziness. In simpler terms, being a couch potato might just run in the family. However, if you’re curious about your couch potato status without resorting to a DNA test, we’ve got you covered.
Take our lifestyle quiz on this page, respond to fifteen physical and psychological questions, and get a free, accurate evaluation. We’ll help figure out whether you lean towards the homebody life or not.
