Podcasts are all the rage these days. It is an excellent way to learn, be entertained, or both. Podcasts have been around since the early 2000s, but they’ve become increasingly popular in recent years. Podcasts are a great way to learn and be entertained simultaneously. They allow you to multitask, which is highly convenient for people who don’t have as much free time on their hands.
Just think about it. How many hours of the day do you spend commuting? It becomes months spent in your car when added up over a month. And with all that downtime, why not listen to something beneficial, such as an educational podcast, audiobooks, or great music?
But listening to a podcast differs from listening to music because it requires more attention. This article will provide some ideas on what you can do while listening to your favorite podcasts to maximize your time spent listening!
16 Things to do while listening to podcasts
Without further ado, here are some activities that you can do while listening to a podcast:
Take a walk
This is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. Go for a 20-minute walk, or take your dog for a walk. Dogs need walks, so this is another perfect opportunity for multitasking!
If you have a busy day ahead, try walking your dog in the morning to knock two things off your list immediately. If you’re an adventurous person, you could even go for a hike!
Exercise while listening to a podcast
Time to hit the gym! Working out is a great way to get your blood moving and feel better about yourself if you have the time. There’s nothing better than a good sweat after an intense workout while learning simultaneously. Time flies when you’re having fun!
Organize your photos or files
If you like to be organized, this task is perfect for you! Organizing your photos or files can be very therapeutic, making finding what you need much easier in the future. This is true for both physical and digital files.
This activity can also be done while listening to any podcast, but you might find yourself too focused and nostalgic if you see old photos from a special event. Remember to rewind the podcast to where you left off if this is the case.
Do Yoga or stretch
Yoga or stretching is an excellent alternative if you’re not in the mood to work out. Yoga is a low-impact way to get moving and very relaxing.
Fold laundry
Nobody likes doing laundry, or house chores, for that matter. But it’s a necessary evil. Why not multitask and listen to a podcast while you fold? It’ll be done in no time!
This activity can be done while listening to any podcast, but it’s handy if you’re listening to a tutorial or interview podcast. You won’t miss anything important while folding laundry!
Clean your house while listening to a podcast
Cleaning your house is another task that nobody enjoys, but it has to be done. Why not listen to a podcast while you’re at it? It’ll make the time go by faster, and you’ll have a clean house to show for it!
Better yet, if you share this activity with your partner! Split the work and enjoy some podcasts while you’re at it.
Cook a meal
This is another activity that can be done with your partner. Cooking a meal is a great way to spend time together and have something delicious to eat afterward!
Plus, if you cook together, you can listen to your favorite podcast without worrying about who’s listening and who’s not. It’s a win-win situation!
Gardening
If you have some free time and want another way to multitask while doing something productive, why not go outside and garden? Gardening can be therapeutic. It’s also a great alternative if you’re not in the mood to go out but still want fresh air.
This activity is perfect for people who love spending time outdoors and would instead grow their food than buy it at a store from someone else. If not, you could water your plants while listening to a podcast.
Paint your nails
Painting your nails can be a fun and easy way to spend your free time. This activity is perfect for people who want something simple and relaxing.
You only need some nail polish, a brush, and a little time. You can usually find all these things at any beauty supply store near you.
If painting your nails isn’t your thing, consider getting a massage instead. This is another perfect activity for people who want to relax and take some time for themselves.
Declutter your house
If you’re anything like me, you’ll likely be distracted by the many knick-knacks and other items in our home if we don’t keep them organized. It can be overwhelming at times!
This is why decluttering is ideal for someone who enjoys cleaning their house or organizing things but wouldn’t mind some help along the way. If this sounds like you, consider finding hidden gems during your next declutter session – books, movies, clothes… The possibilities are endless! And what’s better than doing it while listening to your favorite podcast?
Commute or go for a drive while listening to podcasts
If you have time to kill and don’t feel like staying home, consider going for a commute or driving. This activity can be done while listening to any podcast. Think of how many hours you spend in the car while driving to work every week. You could catch up on your favorite podcast or listen to something new while driving!
You could also take this opportunity to explore your city or town if you’ve never been before. There’s no better way to do it than by car! Just ensure you’re paying attention to the road and not the episode playing in your ears.
Color or draw
I know some people who love to color. There are even coloring books for adults – you’ve probably seen them around the store before. This is another excellent way to simultaneously spend your free time listening to a podcast! It’s also very therapeutic, so it’ll help you relax and clear your mind between episodes.
If this sounds like something that would interest you, consider getting yourself an adult coloring book along with some pencils or markers. You can usually find these in any arts & crafts stores near you or online! Or try browsing Pinterest for inspiration… there are plenty of pictures out there already!
Macrame/knitting
Macrame is making a comeback, and I’m not mad about it. This activity is perfect for anyone who loves to be creative and has something to show for it at the end of their project.
What’s excellent about macrame is that you don’t need too many supplies – just some yarn or cord, scissors, and a hook (or your fingers if you’re brave enough). You can find all of these things at any craft store near you.
If this sounds like something you might want to try, plenty of YouTube tutorials can walk you through the process step-by-step. Make sure you have enough time to complete your project before the next episode starts!
Drink coffee/wine and relax
Last but not least, drinking coffee or wine and relaxing is a great way to spend your free time! This activity can be done while listening to any podcast.
Whether you’re winding down after a long day or just taking some time, pouring yourself a drink and listening to your favorite podcast is the perfect way! Just ensure you don’t get too relaxed that you fall asleep… or you’ll miss the next episode!
Take a bath while listening to a podcast
This is another activity that’s perfect for anyone who wants to relax. All you need is a bathtub, some bubbles (or not – your choice), and your favorite podcast!
Not only will this help relieve any stress or tension you may have, but it’ll also give you time to reflect on the last episode(s) you’ve listened to. It’s the perfect way to end a long day or weekend!
Combine this with a glass of wine, and you’re golden. Here’s a guide on listening to music in the shower without ruining your electronic devices, such as your AirPods.
Take notes
This one is perfect for anyone who wants to be productive while listening to a podcast! If you’re listening to podcasts to learn something new, take notes.
If you’re the type of person who takes notes during lectures or watching documentaries, consider doing the same thing while listening to podcasts. This will help you remember key points made in the episode(s) and make it easier to refer back to later.
You can use any notepad or notebook – whatever works best for you! Just make sure you have something to write with and enough space to take down all of your thoughts. You can’t do the same things you do while listening to music.
What to do while listening to a podcast? – The bottom line
There you have it. Sixteen different things you can do while listening to a podcast! Whether you want to be productive, relax, or learn something new, there’s an activity for you.
So what are you waiting for? Pick your favorite activity and start listening to some podcasts! You won’t regret it.