Whilst creating our modern society, somewhere along the way time has simply become invaluable.
Whether it be a task to accomplish in the workplace, walking the dog, going to the grocery store or even a casual outing with a friend, each specific activity is often defined by just how much time it will eliminate from our precious day.
In a world of fast trains and 5G internet, people are constantly looking for ways to increase speed and effectiveness in their lives in order to get them where they want to be without too much inconvenience. With this in mind, gaining new knowledge or taking up a new skill have become loaded with the question, “Well, how long is this going to take me…?”
Audiobooks have become a wonderful solution for many people, especially those with a high energy mindset that don’t have enough time in their days to physically read the information but still want to learn new things. Here are 5 popular subjects and just a few audiobook recommendations for each one.
The allure of audiobooks lies in their convenience and portability
Meditation/Mindfulness
In the workplace, at home, with our families and in all our relationships, our mental health is a huge factor that can advocate for the betterment of our lives as a whole if we nurture it.
A current big trend is also one that we need now more than ever: mindfulness. This is the process of focusing our minds in the present moment, free of judgement and attachment to the thought at hand.
Some great audiobooks available for understanding what mindfulness is more fully and learning how to practice it are Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics by Dan Harris, The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness by Andy Puddicombe, Aware by Daniel J Siegel, and The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh. Each, in their own unique way, aid the listener in learning basic skills that will help them implement mindfulness into any normal day.
Transitioning to a zero waste, eco-friendly lifestyle
In a world that is rapidly changing due to climate change, we need to make sure we are all doing our part in a cumulative effort to decrease the harm being done to our environment. If you’ve recently been interested in discovering new, innovative ways to do so, listening to an audiobook on the subject is a great place to start gaining some knowledge.
Some great, highly educational ones are: The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide by Jen Gale, 101 Ways to go Zero Waste by Kathryn Kellogg and A Zero Waste Life in 30 Days by Anita Vandyke. Through personal experience with great anecdotes, the authors behind these publications will make you feel excited and ready to tackle a new way of living.
Learning the curious strategies behind casino games
Have you ever wondered how people win big at casino games? Have you ever wanted to try your luck but been too worried that you don’t have the sufficient knowledge or skill?
A good audiobook is an excellent resource for learning the secret tricks of these classic games, offering up clear, step-by-step instructions and proven techniques on how to walk away winning. Some great ones are: Beat the Dealer: a Winning Strategy for the Game of Twenty-One by Edward O. Thorpe, The Pursuit of Poker Success by Lauren Bradley and Learning to Win: How to Make a Profit at Slot Machine Gambling by Dr. Jon H. Friedl Jr. Ph.D.
Language Learning
Learning a new language is something that all of us wish we could accomplish overnight, but the reality is that it normally takes a lot of time and effort to reach a comfortable level in a foreign language.
A great alternative to traditional online courses or language exchanges is to listen to audiobooks in the language you are trying to learn. It’s a proven fact that listening repetitively allows your brain to acquire language acquisition more easily. And one plus is that you’ll start to recognize the same words and expressions that you can use in your own speech.
So, find a book that is already in your favorites list and see if it’s offered as an audiobook in the language you want to learn, taking note of new vocabulary in the process, even while cooking dinner!
Entrepreneurship
Starting any business can be a great feat and, for many, takes preparation, courage, and a whole lot of dedication. The following audiobooks are great tools for inspiration from authors who have lots of experience on the subject.
While in the process of kickstarting your business, listen to The 4-hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, and The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau to name but a few.
So the next time that someone tells you audiobooks “don’t count” as real books, prove them wrong by recounting all the things you were able to learn from listening to them without missing a beat.
For professionals with especially busy schedules, audiobooks are a great option
