5 things to do while listening to an audiobook

Hey, fellow book lovers!

I am writing this post to y'all because I think people often forget that audiobooks are a thing. I've had people ask me if listening to audiobooks "counts" as reading. The answer is YES! There are plenty of people who read the bulk, if not all, of their books through services like Audible and Hoopla. Audiobooks are the coolest because 1) they provide accessibility to people who may not be able to access "regular" books because of disabilities such as visual impairment, 2) you can listen to them while doing mindless tasks, and 3) because audiobooks can do things that print books cannot--like featuring multiple storytellers or incorporating music into the book.

For me, audiobooks are a convenient and fun way to meet my reading goals. I sometimes get tired of sitting on my butt and reading the traditional way, but I love that with audiobooks I can be moving around and doing things while still meeting my reading goals! Before I begin, I want to clarify that doing more than one thing that requires mental concentration is both ineffective and inefficient. It is impossible for you to pay close attention to, say, your audiobook and your math homework. So, only complete mindless tasks when you read your audiobooks. Here are a few I recommend...

1. drive

This is one of my favorite ways to get my hours in. I used to (before COVID-19) have a 30-minute commute to my off-campus job, so I would often listen to an audiobook on the way there. Even ten minutes here and there makes a difference--you would be surprised. Another idea is to pick an audiobook that you can enjoy with someone else and listen to it on a long drive. I haven't done this yet, but let me know if you have & how the experience was!

2. clean

We all have to clean, right? Most people I know listen to music when they clean, but audiobooks can be just as, if not more, entertaining. I should clarify, there are times I like to mindlessly jam out to Kendrick or Khalid... but sometimes it's nice to fall into a story while I'm getting my clean on. Just make sure you pick something fast-paced and interesting--I would not recommend listening to Jane Austen, for example, much as I love her work.

3. get creative

Interpret how you wish! For me, this looks like knitting or bullet journaling. But you could also paint, complete a DIY project, color, or craft. The options are endless! If you think about it, you're really just listening to someone reading you a story while you pursue your own mindless entertainment. Plus, you'll probably make something really cool! Honestly, listening to audiobooks has made me pursue more creative projects, if only to occupy my hands while listening.

4. exercise

Now, I know this may not be for everyone. Some people really just need their metal or rap blaring in the background to get those gainz. But alternatively, it might be soothing to listen to your book while you're doing cardio. To each their own...

5. cook

I only discovered this recently, but when doing meal prep, I have often just put on an audiobook, only to realize 20, 30, 40 minutes have passed. Even if I'm just making ramen, it's kinda nice to just listen to my audiobook while I'm cooking & eating. It takes less concentration than a TV show because I don't have to look at a screen.

There are plenty of other things you can do when you're listening to an audiobook, but these are just a few...

xx Liz

What do you do when you're listening to an audiobook?