Take a break.

take a break

Until the last year, I was never a big podcast fan but when Sarah Koenig’s “Serial” came out, I was instantly hooked. I was able to organize my apartment, do laundry and clean all while still using my brain and following along to her lovely voice. Her storytelling was absolutely captivating and I felt I was able to give my brain a break without tuning into something on Bravo or have my usual dance parties. (Sidenote: I love dance parties and I believe they can cure all bad moods just like a tough workout.)

Enter podcasts.

Think about the 15 minutes in between meetings or your morning coffee while watching the Today Show or even a 40 minute commute to work. We each have pockets within our days that are a time to break. How do you spend your breaks?

Maybe you refer to Twitter to soak in news, scroll through your Facebook feed or skim Instagram for the latest and greatest of the friends, brands (and celebrities) you follow to give your brain a little breather. A client of mine couldn’t stop talking about podcasts, encouraging me to give a few a try because he enjoyed listening to them so much. Seeing as we had similar taste in entrepreneur books, I gave two of his favorites a try. What did I find? I was hooked. Where have I been? Why haven’t I been listening sooner?

Here are two of my favorite podcasts to give a listen to as well as two other resources I use daily.

Freakonomics – This is such an interesting brain teaser at times. The author, Stephen J. Dubner, applies economic theory to subjects that otherwise wouldn’t be covered by traditional economists. Some of my favorite ones are “Diamonds are a Marriage Counselor’s Best Friend” and “Why Doesn’t Everyone Get the Flu Vaccine?”

Entrepreneur on Fire – If you are starting a business, want motivation or seek inspiration, this is the podcast for you. John Lee Dumas features interviews with Tim Ferriss, Gary Vaynerchuk and more where the podcast will feature Ah-ha moments, failures and successes for you to learn from.

Seth Godin’s Blog –  OK, OK, this isn’t a podcast but an email I will religiously open up when I see it in my inbox. What I love about his emails and blogs is that they are in small and digestible chunks where I am quickly able to read it, apply it and move about my day. They are unique, quirky and somehow perfectly connected to a project I’m working on. Funny how that happens?

Headspace – Give yourself 10 minutes a day. Ok so you DON’T want to do a podcast but you have a few minutes and you want to clear your head. Try this app. Andy has the most soothing voice on this planet. I swear. I love it. Find the place where you won’t be disturbed for 10 minutes and go.

 

How do you take a break from the daily grind?

About author View all posts

Allison Peltz

Even at 31, Allison Peltz has never met a sequin (or anything leopard print) for that matter that she didn’t like to somehow weave into her daily wardrobe. She runs half marathons, practices hot yoga, spins, absolutely hates wall balls and is always up for the next calorie burning activity solo or dragging her friends in tow. She has a fierce hair twirling problem and is often mistaken for the gorgeous comedian Natasha Leggero, who may or may not also have a hair twirling problem.

5 CommentsLeave a comment

    • Kate. I feel you and it didn’t come natural for me at first either. But if you find one or two you like, it may change for you!

  • This is so timely. It took me an hour and 10 minutes to get downtown this morning. I thought to myself “there has to be something useful I can do with this time”. I will definitely check out your recommendations!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!