How many things can you do while listening to music? Whether it's relaxing music, upbeat music, instrumental music, or something else, the answer is: You can do quite a bit.
While we're all for simply sitting and enjoying your favorite music—hopefully with the help of wireless headphones, if you're around others—music can also serve as a helpful, motivational companion during any number of everyday tasks.
Here are 23 ideas for what to do while listening to music.
What to Do While Listening to Music
1. Work out
Ever notice how the right song coming up on your phone can suddenly take your workout from 0 to 100? if you're looking for motivation to work out, adding some upbeat tunes to a playlist will not only help you feel excited to exercise, but will help you take your workout to the next level.
2. Nap
OK, so you probably won't fall asleep to really loud, beat-heavy music. But putting on relaxing, instrumental music or even your favorite songs at a low volume can help put you into the perfect nap-ready headspace. Hey, kids love lullabies for a reason!
3. Knit
If you're a knitter, there's no better time to listen to music than when your hands are busy with your needles. The right music can help make the flow-like experience of knitting an even calmer, significantly more enjoyable one.
Try knitting while listening to music.
4. Get some work done
During more mundane work tasks, music can serve as a great companion or even a motivating force. And when you really need to concentrate, classical music or soothing, instrumental jazz can help you get in the zone.
5. Take a walk
Listening to music while you walk is always a good idea. A walk is a great time to reflect, so it can help you tune into lyrics or specific notes that speak to you in a certain way.
6. Play a game
Let's face it: Most of us have games we play on our phones on a regular basis, whether they're crossword puzzles, Wordle, the New York Times Spelling Bee, or anything else. As long as it doesn't distract you, listening to music can help enhance the fun.
Listen to music while you play a game.
7. Use it to unwind at the end of the day
If you have a hard time unwinding at the end of the day, this can be an excellent time to listen to music. Of course, you should opt for calming, spa-like music if you can to help calm your nervous system and get you ready for sleep.
8. Do the dishes
Does anyone really like doing the dishes? If you do, consider yourself lucky. But if you're like the rest of us, we'll let you in on a little secret: Listening to music can make the whole experience a lot more enjoyable.
9. Journal
As long as it's not distracting, music can be an excellent journaling companion. Believe it or not, some writers write entire novels while listening to music!
Journaling can be so much better when you're listening to music.
10. Practice deep breathing
While meditating with music on might be tough, the right relaxing music can help you get in the zone and help deepen your (already deep) deep breathing practice.
11. Get a pedicure
Pedicures can be incredibly relaxing ... and also boring at times, especially while you're waiting for that polish to dry. If you want to enhance your relaxation experience, put on soothing music. If you want to pass the time, listening to something that's a little more interesting for you. There's no wrong way to go about it!
12. Do yoga
The right music can help enhance your yoga flow in a big way. If you have a go-to flow you like to do at home that you know by heart, go ahead and put on whatever music you'd like. If you like a good YouTube flow, you may want to put on calm, quiet, and instrumental music that won't distract you from the instructor.
Do a yoga flow while you listen to music.
13. Clean out your closet
If your closet is long overdue for a clean-out, music can be your best friend. So get a playlist together and start getting rid of those clothes you never wear.
14. Garden
Plug in those bluetooth headphones and get to work in your garden! Listening to music while garden can make an already joyful activity that much more fulfilling.
15. Take a shower
Singing in the shower is popular for a reason: The acoustics are just so good, and putting on a few belt-worthy tunes while you clean up is the perfect way to start the morning.
16. Dance around your bedroom
If you ask us, one of the absolute best uses of music is for dancing. Dance around your bedroom, dance around your living room or kitchen, invite friends or family members to dance with you. The sky's the limit!
17. Fold laundry
Like doing the dishes, folding laundry isn't exactly ... fun. But with the right music, it can be! So fire up that playlist, get those long-neglected clothes out of the dryer, and start folding.
18. Cook
Music can make the cooking experience so much more fun. Because who doesn't like dancing around their kitchen while preparing a roast chicken, cozy chili, or nutritious salad?
19. Drink a cup of coffee
There's nothing like that first sip of coffee in the morning. Instead of scrolling through social media while you caffeinate, try listening to music—you may find that drinking your coffee gets even better.
20. Do nothing at all
Here's an idea: Just listen to music without doing anything else. This isn't the easiest ask in our go-go-go society, but once you get into it, you might not ever go back.
21. Take a long drive
A long drive with the right music is pure magic. It makes for great thinking time, helps center you, and if you're alone (or with friends!), the right music while driving can give you the perfect singing platform.
22. Read
The right music can actually help you concentrate on a novel or article you're reading, or it can help make your reading experience that much more pleasant.
23. Paint, draw, or color
Need inspiration? Try painting, drawing, or coloring while you listen to music. You'll love every moment, we promise.
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