Audiobooks are a great way to pass the time, whether you’re bored in traffic or just want to unwind at home.
The only problem with listening to audiobooks is you don’t know how to keep your hand busy while listening. But also, you don’t want to get distracted from all that good story-telling.
So, are you wondering what to do while listening to audiobooks? Here are 31 easy ideas you can follow.
Things to Do While Listening to Audiobooks
1. Get organized
While you’re listening to audiobooks, get some organizing done.
Whether it’s your closet, your drawers or just the top of your desk, take advantage of the time spent listening to an audiobook by getting some things in order.
2. Gardening
If you have the time and space to plant flowers or vegetables, gardening can be a perfect way to relax while listening to an audiobook. There’s something meditative about digging in the dirt and growing something from scratch.
Don’t have a garden? You could listen to audiobooks while taking care of your indoor plants — it might help you get in touch with your inner botanist.
3. Paint your nails
Paint your nails while listening to audiobooks! It’s a great way to relax and get creative. Plus, it looks cool and makes you feel accomplished once you’re done. Here’s a fun idea:
- Put on an audiobook.
- Find nail polish colours that match the book’s theme — if your protagonist is doing something adventurous, try black; if they’re working through some sadness, go with blue.
- You could paint your nails or have someone else paint your nails while you listen to an audiobook. It’s up to you!
4. Ironing
Ironing can be a relaxing activity, especially if you have a favourite podcast or audiobook playing in the background. This will help you stay calm and relaxed when you’re ironing.
5. Driving
Listening to audiobooks while driving is a great idea.
Just turn off the radio and turn on your audiobook, then set a reminder on your phone or watch, so you know when to take breaks.
It’s also important to set the volume at a comfortable level, which will vary depending on how loud or soft your car is.
6. Fold laundry
Folding laundry is a boring task that most people have to do regularly, especially if they don’t have a washer and dryer.
However, you can make it more interesting by listening to audiobooks while you fold. This will help the time fly by as you listen to your favourite stories and get things done around the house.
7. Clean the bathroom
Bathrooms also tend to be quiet, so there’s less chance of getting disturbed by others in the house if you need some quality time with your audiobooks.
8. Clean your kitchen sink
Suppose you have a sink full of dishes waiting for attention and can’t stand leaving them any longer. Put on an audiobook while doing them!
This will keep you from getting bored while providing something to focus on besides all those dirty dishes.
9. Working out
Listening to audiobooks while working out is a no-brainer. It’s the perfect opportunity to get extra reading time while you sweat it out on the treadmill or elliptical machine.
It’s like a motivational speaker in your ear, ensuring you’re getting the most out of your fitness routine.
If you don’t have time for a full-on workout, try listening while running or taking a casual stroll around the neighbourhood.
10. Doing crafts
Crafts are a great way to keep your hands busy while listening to a book, and they’re also an excellent way to relax, de-stress, and get creative.
One of them is by doing colouring books. There are tons of them for all ages. You can even make the pages yourself if you want! If that takes too much effort for you, check out this site for more inspiration.
11. Walking the dog
If you’re a dog person, there’s no better way to spend your time than walking the dog. And, you can listen to audiobooks while doing so!
The time spent walking that adorable little creature can be turned into learning or enjoying good story opportunities.
12. Listen while commuting
Listening to audiobooks while commuting is another great idea.
The world around you will be moving faster than normal, so it’s nice to have something else in your ears that isn’t going as fast.
You can use this time to relax and enjoy a great story instead of focusing on everything you need to do or worry about.
13. Shop for groceries and other household goods
If you’re running errands or going grocery shopping, it’s easy to pop in your earbuds and get through a chapter or two.
I’d personally choose a story that isn’t too intense or emotional — I want something lighthearted to distract myself from everyday tasks.
After listening to an audiobook and you feel the need to discuss it, I’d recommend you to join a book club. In my previous article, you will find all about the benefits of a book club.
14. File paperwork and clean up your desk
Cleaning your desk is an ideal time to listen to an audiobook because you are not pressured to pay attention.
The narrator will keep you company; if something interesting happens on the recording, you will surely hear it!
Alternatively, if paperwork needs filing or organizing, listening while doing that task may help keep your mind off of how tedious it is while still keeping your hands busy.
15. Sewing, crocheting, and knitting
If you’re into needlework, audiobooks are the perfect companion.
Sewing, crocheting, and knitting are excellent ways to get into the story’s rhythm without losing focus on what’s happening around you. You could:
- Sewing bags and clothes
- Crocheting blankets and scarves
- Knitting sweaters and hats
16. Paint or draw
Get in touch with your inner artist! You can listen to audiobooks while painting or drawing, and they’ll help you focus on getting into the zone.
If you’re an artist, audiobooks are perfect for you.
If you are not an artist but have always wanted to try it out for yourself – now is the time!
Listening to audiobooks while doing art will help you focus on what you’re doing and keep track of time.
17. Baking
Baking is a great way to relax, unwind and keep your mind occupied while listening to audiobooks. It’s also a fun activity that you can do while listening to an audiobook.
If you’re feeling creative, there are endless opportunities for baking new recipes or trying new techniques.
18. Prepare a meal
If you like to cook, listening to audiobooks while preparing meals would be really fun! Not only will it allow you to multitask and get more accomplished each day, but it also means that you can learn new things or stories simultaneously.
19. Wash your car or bike
By washing your car or bike while listening to an audiobook, you’ll get the benefit of having clean vehicles as well as being able to listen to a great story at the same time!
20. Play a videogame
If you’re looking for something fun to do while listening to an audiobook, just turn on your favourite game, especially casual games.
I’d simply use my headphones in both ears to listen to the audiobook while playing the game on mute.
21. Put together a puzzle
Puzzle-solving is a great way to unwind and relax.
Give your brain a break from the day’s worries by working on a jigsaw puzzle for an hour or so. But don’t just grab any old puzzle — you want one that’s challenging enough to keep you engaged but not so difficult that it feels impossible to complete.
Try listening to an audiobook while solving a few puzzles at once. I promise it’s quite relaxing.
Listening to an audiobook while scrolling through social media is the best way to maximize your time.
You can’t just read a book, but you don’t want to spend all day scrolling through social media either. So, what’s the solution? Audiobooks!
23. Rearrange the furniture
Rearrange your furniture is a great time-waster.
Depending on how much stuff you have in your house, it might be a good way to kill some time while listening to an audiobook.
If you do this, keep the audio player close by or use headphones so that it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of moving chairs around.
24. Polish any metal jewellery
To make polishing your jewellery easier and more enjoyable, you can do so while listening to an audiobook. Make sure to use a polishing cloth to ensure that the jewellery is clean and shiny after every use.
25. Wear a face mask
By wearing a face mask while listening to an audiobook, you’ll be relaxing as the narrator reads on, making it easier for your mind to focus on what they have to say.
It doesn’t matter if you’re using sheet masks or applying a cream — the important thing is that your skin feels soft and hydrated when done listening.
26. Organize bookshelves
Organizing your bookshelf while you listen will help keep you focused on the task.
There are several ways of going about this — by genre, author, topic or colour, and all make for interesting projects.
27. Do stretching or yoga
With so many great benefits to yoga, it’s no surprise that it’s become a popular activity for many.
Listening to audiobooks while you practice yoga is one way to relax and de-stress, as well as work on your flexibility and strength.
Stretching is also known for reducing stress levels, so try giving this activity a shot if you’d like something peaceful but productive.
28. Keep busy at work when it’s slow
Try listening to an audiobook while you work. It’s a great way to keep busy when it’s slow in the office or if you have a lot of downtime at work.
You can listen while eating lunch or checking email and social media at your desk. It helps keep your mind off of any negative stuff.
29. Relax with a cup of coffee or tea on your back porch
Your back porch has the perfect setting for listening to an audiobook. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy your coffee or tea while listening to an audiobook.
If you prefer eating a snack while reading or listening to something, this is also an excellent option.
As long as it’s warm enough and you have access to seating on your porch or patio, this is one of the best ways to enjoy audiobooks.
30. Build something with Legos
It’s a classic childhood activity, but it’s still a great way to pass the time.
If you’re having trouble concentrating, try listening to audiobooks while building with Legos.
The detailed instructions and challenges of creating something will keep your mind busy while keeping your attention on what’s being said in the book. You can listen to the audiobook while sitting on the floor, adding another brick to your creation.
31. Just add audiobooks to everything!
You’ve probably already caught on to the fact that audiobooks are a great way to fit in anything you have had time for.
If you don’t have time to read but still want something engaging and entertaining for commuting or waiting for appointments — there’s no need to limit yourself. Just add audiobooks!
In Summary
Most audiobook listeners are out and about, so it makes sense that a great way to listen is while doing something else.
You were wondering about what to do while listening to audiobooks. And as you’ve read in this article, there are many ideas and activities that you could do. I hope you’ll find what works best for you!
If you want recommendations of some great titles, check out my article on nine inspirational travel memoirs.
