Read Time: 2 Minutes
Have you ever found yourself so lost in an audiobook that the rest of the universe simply ceases to be? You’re in that groove, thoroughly absorbed, and your mind paints the story as the narrator speaks the words. In that moment, time stretches out, and you’ve hit peak mindfulness.
It’s no surprise. Listening to an audiobook engages multiple senses, which enhances the overall reading experience and helps to create a more vivid mental image of the story.
Relax
Listening to an audiobook can help to reduce stress and increase relaxation. This is because listening to a story can be a form of mindfulness, allowing you, the listener, to escape your thoughts and fully immerse yourself in the story. This has a calming effect on the brain and can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels.
Prepare
Find a quiet and comfortable place to listen. Minimize distractions and find a comfortable spot to sit and focus on the audiobook without interruption. Set the room how you like it. Windows opened or closed? Curtains drawn or streaming in sunlight? Whatever works for you.
Take a few deep breaths. Deep breathing can help calm your mind and bring your attention to the present moment.
Listen
Instead of letting your mind wander, make a conscious effort to actively listen to the audiobook. Focus on the words and the narrator’s voice and visualize the scenes and characters described.
Take breaks if you need to. If you find your mind wandering or you’re getting tired, take a short break to stretch, walk around, or do something else to refresh your mind.
Engage
If there are parts of the audiobook that particularly resonate with you, press pause and take a moment to reflect on what was said. Consider how it applies to your life and what you can learn from it.
Share
Make time to appreciate the experience of enjoying the audiobook. Think about the effort and creativity that went into creating it and how it enriched your life. Share your thoughts with friends, strangers, or others who may also enjoy the book.
Hey! I hope you enjoyed this blog post by our guest author, Greta C. Over the weekend, Greta sent me an email saying how she is practising her writing and asking if she could submit a post about mindfulness and audiobooks. She doesn’t have a blog of her own, so I said I’d be glad to help! I’m always happy to receive posts written by our fabulous users, so if you’ve written something, then get in touch. I would be delighted to look at including it.