Ask HN: Addicted to listening to podcast while working

by JourneyJourney on 4/25/2025, 1:17:04 PM with 3 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.

  • by abstractspoon on 4/25/2025, 11:44:09 PM

    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.

  • by constantcrying on 4/25/2025, 2:11:48 PM

    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.