An unexpected bonus from switching my workout routine is that my workouts now require a higher level of focus. First, I need to focus because I’m relearning exercise I haven’t done in 8 years. Second, I’m “on the clock” doing HIIT interval routines like 30:30s (work for 30 seconds, rest for 30 second, move to next exercise). I assumed I’d be listening to podcasts during this workouts but I’ve found that I cannot. I keep missing parts of the podcasts because I have to focus so much attention of the workout itself. So instead, I crank up the music and let it play in the background.
That’s actually been refreshing.
Instead of running out of podcasts to listen to, I now have dozens queuing up from which I can select the most interesting ones. As for news/current events podcasts, I find myself deleting more than I listen to as they quickly become outdated or repetitive.
I’ve had several “no news” periods in my life:
- In high school I went nearly 2 years without watching TV at all. I was too busy with school, dating, friends and work.
- In my early forties nearing the peak of my professional life I was so busy with work that I ignored any news that was not related to my business for about two years.
- When I was on my road trip/boondocking fiasco I had limited access to Internet, radio or cell service and I was engulfed in sadness and grief. My interest and access were almost nil.
I’ve had a few other periods in my life where I purposely avoided the news as much as possible. These always work better when I have something more interesting to focus on.
Right now, that’s my injury rehab and workouts.
Hopefully soon the rehab will be unnecessary and then I can really crank up my intensity and focus on my workouts.
And even if the rehabbing takes longer than I want it to, it’s better than hearing about Trump, politics and doom forecasts 24/7.