A 2012 study has shown that listening to music reduces the perception of effort while exercising with low to moderate intensity by ∼10%[xxxix]. Additionally, listening to your favorite songs while exercising may reduce the resistance to engage in physical activity.
Podcasts or audiobooks can also be a good alternative to music if you enjoy listening to them. While they may not reduce the perception of effort, they’ll make your workouts easier and possibly make you feel like the time flies by more quickly.
I usually dislike biking solo, but if I haven’t been for a few days and can’t find a partner, I download a few podcasts to my smartphone and listen to them while cycling. It makes the otherwise dull activity of biking alone more exciting.