Have you ever wished you could learn something new or dive into a captivating novel while doing everyday tasks like washing dishes, cleaning, or going for a walk? I was too, and then I came across audiobooks! They are the perfect companion to keep your brain active while you tackle your daily routine. As a lifelong learner and busy mom of three young sons, I have discovered the joy and benefits of audiobooks.
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Why Audiobooks?
I consider myself a lifelong learner and though I do really enjoy actually reading books, having an audiobook to listen to while I’m taking care of things around the house is great and keeps my brain active. In the past four weeks since I started listening to audiobooks, I’ve listened to six of them! It’s really cool to be able to listen to a book while doing other things like cooking, washing dishes, vacuuming, and working out.
I tend to listen to audiobooks via one Bluetooth headphone so I can still hear what’s going on in the house, as I’m a stay-at-home mom for my 3 young sons.
In the past I would spend the early mornings teaching them preschool and playing with them but around 9:30 am we head downstairs and I get on the elliptical while they play and I start listening to my audiobook. I also listen to my audiobook when they’re watching the 30-60 minutes of educational TV they get a day. This TV time consists of a playlist that I change at least once a week of YouTube videos that directly correspond to their two levels of curricula that week. I feel it really helps reinforce ideas beyond what I teach them, especially hearing it from someone other than a mom who also happens to be their teacher.
Now that my kids are older, they play on their own more often and since I’ve been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue I’m not able to workout the way that I used to. I still do have an earbud in when I do my low intensity workouts and often while I’m working on my blog or doing things around the house.
How to Access Audiobooks
Libby
In terms of where I get my audiobooks, so far I’ve been getting audiobooks through my local library. They have a great app called Libby by Overdrive where I can search for e-books and audiobooks, borrow them if available, or put a hold on them if they’re not available. I’ve found plenty of books on there to listen to so far, switching between nonfiction and fiction.
Audible
Audible is also amazing and has so many amazing books. I recently started an Audible subscription and love it! I’ve been able to get books that my library didn’t have through Libby and can hang onto them as long as I want!
Books that you purchase with credits you get every month, you get to keep forever! My first one I bought was The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Angela Kinsley (who played Angela) and Jenna Fischer (who played Pam) AND narrated by them!! It is such a hoot to listen to, and there are even special guests on the audiobook, other actors from The Office!
If you’re interested in books in general, there are plenty available through Amazon on the Kindle (either a Kindle device or app). For even more books, you can subscribe to Kindle Unlimited.
Books I Recommend So Far
- Anxious People by Fredrik Backman (It’s not really about anxious people, it’s a mystery told from several points of view, very great storytelling. After listening to this book I was clearly hooked on hearing more from Fredrik Backman.)
- A Man Called Ova by Fredrik Backman
- Britt Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman
- House Rules by Jodi Picoult (This book is read by multiple people which is really awesome to be able to easily tell who is talking. The beginning of each section that is read by a different character is titled as such so you know if Jacob is talking or his mother Emma, etc. It’s really helpful in following along.)
- Girl, Stop Apologizing, Girl, Wash Your Face, and Didn’t See That Coming by Rachel Hollis were great to listen to, especially since she narrated it herself!
- Yes, Please! by Amy Pohler was a fun one to listen to as well, especially since she narrated it
- Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
- The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer
As a mom of identical twins and a son two years older, I have gained invaluable experience in the realm, and chaos, of parenting. With a Master's Degree and Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology, I spent years as a school psychologist, helping children navigate through their educational and emotional challenges. Now as a stay at home mom and professional blogger, I combine my areas of expertise to help you in your parenting journey.