Ask HN: Addicted to listening to podcast while working

2 pointsJourneyJourney11mo ago3 comments

I work from home. It can get a bit lonely, so I got the bad habit of putting a youtube video (usually podcasts) in the background.

I feel like I shouldn't be doing that if I want to perform at my best.

Any advice on how to reduce podcast consumption? Should I quit it cold turkey=

Has anyone experienced something similar?

I know it sounds silly but it's becoming a bit of a problem.

3 comments

abstractspoon11mo ago

Perhaps music would be better because there won't be a part of your mind that is actively listening and trying to extract meaning. That being said, I sometimes have to switch even the music off if I need a high level of focus.

constantcrying11mo ago

Depends entirely on the work. If it does not require concentration, I don't think it matters at all.

If it affects your ability to concentrate and focus it obviously is a problem and I think you should just stop entirely.

drweevil11mo ago

Agree. If you are paying attention to the podcast while mopping the floor, there is no problem. But if you are doing reasoning work you are shortchanging either the podcast of your work, and in my experience often both. When I was still working (I'm now retired) I would listen to music while programming. Music seems to occupy a part of my mind that is not required for programming, and often even set the mood I needed. But a podcast? No.

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