Engagement and connection are two essential requirements for a full life. But when we are down or depressed, it can be hard to take our typical steps to connect with the outside world like calling a friend or going for a walk. At such times when proactive action is difficult, we need alternative options with minimal inertia.

Recently I have found one – listening to podcasts. All it requires is to plug in earphones and hit play on a podcast. As the voices of the host and guest fill my mind and something resonates, it pulls me out of my own looping thoughts and nudges me to meditate on what I am hearing.

This may not be as fulfilling to the soul as talking to a loved one but it fits the need of the hour, giving us the kick start we need to take subsequent bigger strides towards more engagement.