Ok … I know some of your are thinking you would rather give up coffee… maybe not, but hear me out…I found 6 reasons why you may want to consider leaving the ipod, mp3, etc. at home:
1. Take a break from electronics devices
Our brains are so stimulated by phones, computers, radios, TV’s, iPods, iPads from 
morning to night that a break from this can be good for the brain, memory and may help you to be more creative. Click the photo to the right for a great article on NY Times.
2. Connect with nature: Studies have some that time in the outdoors and connecting with nature can be very healing and stress relieving. Great article on this (click photo below) courtesy of the University of Minnesota.
3. Connect with others: The power of a smile and genuine hello can uplift your whole day…try it rather than starring at your play list and see how good it can make you feel.
4. Connect with yourself: Notice your pace, breath, arm swing, feel for symmetry in your body and listen to the clues it gives you to push a little harder or take it easy that day.
5. Be Safer: Without music you can hear a rattlesnake’s greeting, people or bikes passing you, cars, and be generally more aware of your surroundings.
6. Be lighter and save money: It’s one less thing to carry, one less thing to worry about dropping and breaking (my old ipod has the crackled glass look from this). It’s very liberating!!!
If all of these ideas don’t convince you to make a complete switch, then maybe consider trying it for one or two workouts and see how you feel.
Of course, if you are stuck inside on a treadmill, resort to all distractions … iPod, phone and TV. I’ve been fortunate to only experience this once in the last four years. Phew.
Stay active,
Veronika Campbell
Physical Therapist, Strength and Conditionings Specialist and avid trail runner.
activelifeexperiment 
Thanks for the encouragement, V! I do love to hear the sounds of the birds singing. Soon, I hope to be able to hear them over the deafening sound of my breathing!
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These are some great points that you bring up. I will say that I do generally ride (mountain bike) without music. This is generally for safety reasons but I do see the relaxing benefits of being electronic free. On the other hand when I run I feel that I am addicted to it. One thing I will say is that if you can airplane mode it or turn off notifications that is a must. In general your workouts are your time to be alone or without distraction from work. We should look at this as a perk of exercise.
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