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somewhat similar: I used to occupy all my "down time" with podcasts or audiobooks. While mildly interesting, I found that it removes all "cognitive introspec

somewhat similar: I used to occupy all my "down time" with podcasts or audiobooks. While mildly interesting, I found that it removes all "cognitive introspection" opportunities, so that the only time available for tat is when I'm trying to fall asleep (meaning I had trouble falling asleep!) So over the last few months I've stopped audiobooks and podcasts (I already don't watch TV). Kind of counter intuitively, I find this "REAL down time" combined with other physical activities such as jogging and a few minutes of gardening each day provides me with greater self-control.

bumby 7y ago
This is interesting. I assume there's a balance to be had between being introduced to new ideas through something like a podcast/audiobook and having enough downtime to ruminate on those ideas for more meaningful insight.
- c0vfefe 7y ago
  I can attest to that - on an hour commute I often listen to 45 min worth of podcasts until hitting material that prompts self-reflection. Then the voice memo comes out.
Cerium 7y ago
Very interesting observation. I started listening to audiobooks during my commute and have had more trouble sleeping recently. I chalked it up to overall stress, but now that I think of it, I used to spend that time thinking.
filoleg 7y ago
>I find this "REAL down time" combined with other physical activities such as jogging and a few minutes of gardening each day provides me with greater self-control. I find it really interesting you mention gardening, because I've found that doing dishes has the same effect on me. I can just stand in front of the sink, wash the dishes, and introspect on things and let the mind wander. By the end of it, I get a dopamine hit from accomplishing a useful task with immediate visible results, as well as a relaxed state of mind.
- novaleaf 7y ago
  for me I don't think it's really enjoyable, but in my weird mind having that block of time "scheduled" for jogging+gardening makes me more motivated towards keeping my schedule the rest of the day (I'm self employed, so have to really keep after myself)
- tomcam 7y ago
  Where were you when I had a crappy roommate?

bumby 7y ago

This is interesting. I assume there's a balance to be had between being introduced to new ideas through something like a podcast/audiobook and having enough downtime to ruminate on those ideas for more meaningful insight.

c0vfefe 7y ago
I can attest to that - on an hour commute I often listen to 45 min worth of podcasts until hitting material that prompts self-reflection. Then the voice memo comes out.

Cerium 7y ago

Very interesting observation. I started listening to audiobooks during my commute and have had more trouble sleeping recently. I chalked it up to overall stress, but now that I think of it, I used to spend that time thinking.

filoleg 7y ago

>I find this "REAL down time" combined with other physical activities such as jogging and a few minutes of gardening each day provides me with greater self-control. I find it really interesting you mention gardening, because I've found that doing dishes has the same effect on me. I can just stand in front of the sink, wash the dishes, and introspect on things and let the mind wander. By the end of it, I get a dopamine hit from accomplishing a useful task with immediate visible results, as well as a relaxed state of mind.

novaleaf 7y ago
for me I don't think it's really enjoyable, but in my weird mind having that block of time "scheduled" for jogging+gardening makes me more motivated towards keeping my schedule the rest of the day (I'm self employed, so have to really keep after myself)
tomcam 7y ago
Where were you when I had a crappy roommate?