Podcasts are nothing new, but there are far more out now than there ever has been. What used to be listening to stories on the radio has now been transformed into something much wider and far more easily accessible. You can find podcasts on almost anything your heart desires, and there are plenty of benefits to getting your headphones on and enjoying listening to the things you are interested in.
For those who are not familiar with podcasts, they are essentially digital audio files that you can listen to anywhere on a supported device. You can either download them to your computer, mobile, or tablet or listen to them on the go if you have a streaming service and are connected to the internet via data or WIFI.
Podcasts are typically a series based on something of interest that users can subscribe to and are then alerted when a new episode comes out.
You can access podcasts on streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms.
This piece will discuss just some of the reasons you should start listening to podcasts and how they can change your life for the better.
Listen On the Go
We all get stuck doing the mundane life activities that we just have to do, and listening to something can help make that time go by much more easily and make the experience more enjoyable.
One of the best reasons to get into podcasts is that you can listen to them on the go almost wherever you are and whatever you are doing.
Commuting to and from work feels like a chore now more than ever, especially as many of us have had a significant break from it. Allow yourself to forget the boring necessities by listening to a podcast of your choice and the time will fly by. This is also a great option for those doing chores such as washing up or hoovering and who need to be hands free but want to engage their mind with something else.
On the other hand, sometimes we might not feel like socializing or getting out of the house, but still, we feel like we want to be a part of something. This is where podcasts are particularly great. Because there are many genres and speakers to choose from, you can choose what kind of company you are in the mood for without having to make any effort at all. You do not have to go out of your house, speak back to anyone, or even leave your bed if you don’t want to, but it can still feel like you are interacting with people, laughing along with them, and learning something from the comfort of your own home. The beauty of this is that it can also help you meet new people who have similar interests to you. Many people like to tweet along with podcasts or discuss what they think of an episode on Reddit or Facebook groups, which means you can make new friends without even really having to lift a finger! Except to reply to them, of course.
Another great factor is when you are on the go and are trying to reduce your screen time. Plenty of us are guilty of looking at our phones, laptops, and computers far too often and not giving ourselves enough of a break. However, podcasts can keep us entertained while giving our eyes a rest, which can only be a good thing!
They Are a Great Means of Learning New Things
There are so many benefits to gain from learning about new subjects. Some of these include, but are not limited to:
- Improving your brain function and health– Learning is a powerful aid for the health and vitality of your brain. It can help create new connections between cells and strengthen ones that already exist.
- A sense of achievement – A sense of accomplishment is something that keeps us feeling motivated and rewarded. Learning can facilitate that and encourage us to learn more and move forward.
- Widen your opportunities– When you set out to learn more, you automatically advance your opportunities. This could be anything from being able to participate in a conversation to landing yourself a new job. The more tools you have under your belt, the more equipped you are to deal with different situations and offers.
Due to this, another great use of podcasts is that they are a significant means of learning about anything new. Someone, somewhere, has more than likely turned your interest into a podcast that you will be able to listen to with ease and have chosen to make it beginner friendly and digestible. This is particularly useful for in-depth, nuanced topics such as religion. If that is something you are interested in exploring, then be sure to take a look at Real Talk LDS podcast, a podcast about the Old Testament.
Podcasts can be a very useful tool for passive learning, which means you are able to do different things while learning something new. Doing so can also allow you to use your time more efficiently. For example, you could go for a walk or a run and get your exercise in while taking in new information. Or, if your job allows it, you could listen to a podcast while working, which means you can make the most of your time no matter what you are doing.