With work-from-home being the norm in the past year, the line separating life and work has also blurred.

To retain a sense of control, some have tried to claim back “me-time” in the evening, intentionally pushing back their bedtime despite knowing that they need to sleep. In China, a term has been coined for this phenomenon: “Revenge Bedtime Procrastination”.

Worse still, with the uncertainty of when the pandemic might end, a New York Times article suggested that “languishing” could be the dominant emotion of 2021. Languishing happens because the long-drawn pandemic has disrupted the usual rhythm of life that is punctuated by regular social events.

So we procrastinate going to sleep to engage in activities that make us feel rewarded, yet end up consuming mindless things as we feel listless and unmotivated to do more challenging tasks.

Many have turned to exercise to get out of a rut. I exercise by running as it releases feel-good endorphins and reduces stress hormones. But recently, I have started to pair my runs with a podcast. Since running takes little effort to focus, a podcast keeps my mind engaged as my body does the physical work.

Podcasts are a rising trend in the region. According to consumer insight company Global Web Index, as of early 2021, 66% of people in the Asia-Pacific region engage with podcasts a day, spending about an hour listening to them.

Choosing a podcast you like from the 2 million shows available across all platforms may seem overwhelming, but it is easier than it looks. Simply search for a topic that interests you on your audio platform of choice (e.g., Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast).

Here are some of my recommendations which you can listen to as you run:

Philosophy Bites

Interested in philosophy but feel daunted by it? Philosophy Bites is an accessible entry into the world of philosophy, providing digestible episodes on a broad range of philosophical concepts from utilitarianism to the existence of free will. Most episodes are only 20 minutes long, making them perfect for a short run.

Scope Conditions

If your job requires you to do research on social issues, this useful podcast features in every episode one academic and their work, such as the methodology and arguments of their research. It provides a fresh angle into how research can be done in practical settings and can benefit those who find their research endeavours stagnating. Most episodes are an hour long, perfect for those who run longer distances.

Something Private

This is a fabulous made-in-Singapore podcast on everything women, featuring stories from women on topics from the intimately small to the systemic large.

With the government dedicating 2021 as the Year of Celebrating Singaporean Women, conversations on women and their importance in society are ever more relevant. This podcast provides a way to understand the lived experiences of Singaporean women from all walks of life. The episodes vary in length, so find one that suits your pace.