If you’re anything like me as a reader, then you’re always trying to figure out how to have more time for reading.
The day I began reading audiobooks, my life changed (and not just because I really haven’t listened to podcasts since, whoops). With audiobooks, I have been able to bring so many more stories into my life.
But even as audiobook readers, there are still ways we can fit more reading into our day to day, even if in unexpected (and often hilarious) ways. We asked our community of Libro.fm listeners to share a few suggestions—including the unhinged ones—for reading more on audio. Read on for a celebration of creative, unbothered, and deeply relatable listening habits!
Audiobooks, meet life (literally)
I love sitting in my favorite reading chair and enjoying a great audiobook. Sometimes I cross-stitch, and sometimes I just listen while sipping a cup of rooibos tea. But audiobooks are also incredibly versatile. I can read while on a long walk, at the gym, on a commute, and basically anywhere else!
And then there are the activities that audiobooks make way more enjoyable:
One reader shares: “I, an adult in her late 30s, use audiobooks as a bribe. ‘If you go workout, you can listen to your book.’ Chores need to be done… audiobook time! It works almost every time.”
“Listening to Libro with noise-canceling headphones while bouncing a screaming infant got me through the 4th trimester last time around,” says another.
“If the book is really good I find housework to do so I can continue listening.”
Chores, grocery shopping, taking care of our children that are not yet able to form sentences—audiobooks are a great partner in crime. Plus, you’ll be able to get more reading in and tackle that TBR.
The art of the stealth listen
I’ll be blunt: sometimes you just have to tune out what’s going on around you. And with the new Libro.fm web player, multitasking is even easier.
One reader shares their secret: “Noise cancelling ear buds and listening to my book while at the movies with my kids.” (Parents, take note!)
At work? “Every single shift, I wear my hair down at work so I can secretly wear my earbuds and keep listening to my book. I work retail, so if a customer comes up or it gets really busy, I just pause it.” And if you see your cashier crying…“it might be because of a really sad book.”
I work remotely, and sometimes sitting in silence without background office chatter can be pretty isolating. Audiobooks make for great co-workers as I make my way through routine tasks, such as creating audiobook playlists.
Audiobook listening speed
There is no right or wrong listening speed—it’s totally up to the reader! And being able to adjust the speed is also important for accessibility purposes.
“Adjust the listening speed to what is best for you!!” shares an audiobook lover. “I don’t know a single regular audiobook listener that doesn’t speed them up at least a little bit.”
It might also depend on the audiobook’s genre, narrator, etc. You can give it a try in the Libro.fm app or web player, and even work up to a faster speed if that’s your preference.
Additional tips from readers
Here’s what else our reading community has to offer for listening to audiobooks more:
Wondering what to do when listening to a good audiobook? While listening, one reader shares: “I draw on my iPad, colour or play a video game. It’s my time to relax.”
“When you find a narrator you love, obsessively listen to all their audiobooks. No need to check out the synopsis.”
“I have started eating lunch in my car. I get away from people and get to listen to my audiobook.”
Annnnd the absolute chaos (but we’re here for it)
Not going to lie…some of the tips just got plain weird? And silly!
“Lick the microphone beforehand. Not only does it put it at ease, it establishes a clear order structure, which comforts microphones.” Ummm okay!
“Plz don’t interrupt us as we receive cases of physical books in the back of our store – our hands are too busy to pause our audiobooks and honestly very little you can say is more important than what’s entering our ears right now.” (Honestly, this is so real.)
(We’re not totally immune to sharing unhinged tips ourselves. You can find some of our more chaotic advice on our Instagram feed.)
We’re proud to be a part of your listening experience—unhinged or not.
What are your tips for increasing audiobook listening time (the good, the bad, and the interesting)? Share in the comments!