In your childhood, there was only one way to read a book: reading through words printed on pages of physical books. Now, although many people still prefer the old-fashioned method of reading, many others choose to read books using e-readers or to listen to them using audiobooks. Have you ever tried listening to an audiobook? Even if you typically prefer to read text in order to consume the contents of a book, there are many benefits of listening to audiobooks, as we discuss in more detail below. You might find that you can make room in your life for both “real” book and audiobooks.
Benefits of Listening to Audiobooks
They immerse you in another world.
Many of the benefits of listening to audiobooks are the same as reading regular books. For example, as you listen to the story, you can create a mental picture of the settings, characters, and situations. You’re encouraged to use your imagination. In this way, listening to an audiobook might bring you back to your childhood, when your parents or teachers read stories to you. It might also remind you of listening to radio dramas in your youth.
They allow you to take advantage of extra time in your day.
Think of all the moments this week in which your mind was bored while your body was otherwise occupied. For example, did you sit in the waiting room at your doctor’s office? Did you do some chores around the house? Did you take a long drive or a long walk? During all of these tasks, you could have been listening to an entertaining audiobook. Assuming you’re able to multitask, you can listen to an audiobook during all sorts of activities: folding laundry, washing dishes, exercising, etc. You might even find yourself looking forward to chores you once dreaded!
They let you relax your eyes.
If you’re like most Americans, you spend hours every day looking at digital screens, including phones, tablets, TVs, and computers. This can cause a variety of issues, from eye strain and blurred vision to headaches and migraines. Plus, the blue light may disrupt your sleep schedule. Looking at the screen of an e-reader will only add to your daily screen time. Reading a physical book may be better than yet another screen, but it can also be tough on your eyes. Audiobooks, on the other hand, give your eyes a true break. Instead of straining to read at bedtime due to the poor light and your poor eyesight, sit back and relax with an audiobook.
They can bring a story to life through voice.
Some books include a variety of different characters with unique mannerisms and accents. Great narrators will morph their voices to suit the different characters, creating a unique story experience. Narrators can also convey sarcasm and deliver jokes with finesse. Many fans of audiobooks particularly enjoy when the author of the book acts as the narrator.
They’re convenient to use and transport.
Unlike a hefty novel, an audiobook weighs virtually nothing! Simply load the audiobook onto your phone or tablet. You can buy e-books online, purchase them through a subscription service like Audible, or borrow them from your local library.
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If you adore the feel and smell of a real book, I’m right there with you. Real books are undeniably wonderful. But if you have room in your reading schedule, consider taking advantage of the many benefits of listening to audiobooks as well.
Happy reading!
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