Audiobooks: A Vital Component of My Self-Care Routine

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My fondest memories from childhood revolve around books. I can still recall the scent of my local used bookstore, where I would eagerly select titles from the Berenstain Bears series and as many Baby-Sitters Club books as I could find. As I matured, I gravitated towards authors like R.L. Stine, John Steinbeck, and S.E. Hinton. I was an introspective and somewhat troubled tween and teenager. Amidst my relentless pursuit of straight A’s, juggling a part-time job, participating in varsity sports, and navigating my identity, books provided a much-needed escape from a challenging home life and the pressures of constant activity. Without realizing it, I was using literature as a means to self-soothe and recharge. Today, while books remain a crucial part of my self-care, I now enjoy them in the form of audiobooks.

Unlike my teenage self, I can’t manage to read until the early hours of the morning anymore. I attribute this entirely to my three children; they are wonderful but utterly exhausting. I often find myself drifting off just a few paragraphs into a book I’ve longed to read, only to wake up hours later to turn off the light. Physical books pile up on my nightstand and bookshelf, but the only time I seem to read them is during brief moments of solitude in the bathroom—if I’m not interrupted by one of my kids, that is.

My oldest child now takes on the role I once had, sprawled on the couch or bent over her book at the kitchen table, reading page after page while I wistfully await the day I can read without the burden of obligations or fatigue.

I enjoy listening to podcasts while cooking, exercising, or completing tasks at work that require minimal focus. They serve as the distraction and entertainment I need to keep moving and informed. However, they don’t provide the same immersive experience as a full-length book. I found myself seeking a way to disconnect from reality safely and affordably, without dozing off. Enter Libby.

The Libby app by OverDrive allows library cardholders to access audiobooks and ebooks from their local public library for free. While audiobooks aren’t new, I never maintained a subscription service due to associated costs. Thanks to Libby, I’ve devoured 42 books since March, rediscovering the joy and comfort that comes from getting lost in a story.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Fields states, “When you’re engrossed in a good book, you’re not fretting over the past or worrying about tomorrow. Reading is a form of mindfulness.” It allows your brain to rest, fostering creativity and reflection. Being part of a book club also enhances social interaction and connection—both beneficial for mental health and emotional well-being.

While I’ve always been self-aware, I missed the opportunity for self-reflection and having my ideas challenged or expanded through reading. Both fiction and non-fiction have enabled me to do this. I resonated with themes in Jenny Lawson’s “Broken,” grappled with my anxiety about time in V.E. Schwab’s “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue,” and gained insight into struggles greater than my own while listening to Isabel Wilkerson’s “Caste” and Suki Kim’s “Without You, There Is No Us.” I validated my identity in Alok Vaid-Menon’s “Beyond the Gender Binary” while confronting my biases in Adam Grant’s “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know.” And because I love a captivating love story with twists and challenges, I binged Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” saga.

Audiobooks elevate my mood and alleviate anxiety, tapping into the ancient art of storytelling that has historically conveyed lessons and family histories. Listening to stories offers a primal comfort that has existed for millennia. Fables, parables, nursery rhymes, and fairy tales entertain and enlighten, providing meaning even in their most fantastical forms. As Sufi author Idries Shah notes, “Most fables contain at least some truth, enabling people to grasp ideas that their usual thought patterns might resist.”

Listening to audiobooks transports me from my own thoughts, allowing me to connect with various emotions and experiences. It reminds me that the world is larger than I am and offers necessary perspectives to stay grounded and curious. I often become attached to the narrator’s voice as much as the narrative itself.

I’ve always been a reader at heart. With my love for intricate storylines and well-developed characters, I will continually find ways to relax and benefit from a good book. Pressing play on my audiobook is like hitting pause on everything else.

If you’d like to explore more on this topic, check out this blog post that discusses self-care techniques, or visit Make A Mom for insights on home insemination kits. For further information on pregnancy and home insemination, Women’s Health provides excellent resources.

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Summary:

Audiobooks have become a vital part of my self-care routine, offering an escape that physical books no longer provide due to the demands of parenting. With the Libby app, I’ve been able to enjoy numerous titles, diving back into the comforting world of stories that stimulate my mind and provide a break from daily stressors. Listening to audiobooks not only helps me unwind but also fosters self-reflection and connection to others’ experiences.

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