Like many of you here, I’m sure, I can’t help but be mentally engaged by music. Unfortunately for me, this makes it impossible for me to listen to music while I work. In addition, it also often makes it difficult for me to listen to music when I am trying to go to sleep. For a while, I tried listening to podcasts for this purpose, but assuming the topic is one that I am interested in, that also activates my brain in a way that is not conducive to sleep.
Recently, I discovered the BBC Radio 4 Shipping Forecast through this article in the New York Times. While apparently a tried-and-true remedy for our friends in the UK, I have just begun listening to this with great success. It serves the dual purpose of having sound in my ears without requiring active listening; words are being spoken, but no understanding or mental engagement is required. It sounds crazy, but give it a shot!
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