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Audiobooks can pass the time on the way to work or entertain while preparing dinner. However, this is not all of their advantages. Together with the largest audio service Storytel, we have found eight reasons why listening to audiobooks is not only interesting, but also useful.
Reason 1: Imagination Development
In 2018, scientists from University College London conducted a study on the perception of audio materials. It turns out that a person reacts more emotionally when he perceives information by ear: the pulse quickens by two beats per minute and the body temperature rises.
Such a reaction indicates that we are involved in the story we hear on two levels – cognitive and emotional. Dr. Joseph Devlin, head of experimental psychology at University College London, believes that when we listen to a book, we are fully involved in the process of creating a story. We imagine what is happening in the imagination, while when watching TV, we can only passively observe what the director and cameraman have come up with.
Reason 2: peace of mind
Audiobooks help to muffle the inner voice and restless thoughts. Audio information reduces anxiety and fatigue by activating other brain functions – hearing and imagination. Listening to an audiobook, we concentrate on the content and forget about the problems for a while. Listening attentively relieves stress and helps to achieve peace of mind.
Reason 3: Broadening your horizons
Today, audio services offer not only books, but also recordings of lectures, seminars, voiced articles from popular publications, and even materials from expeditions. You can increase the level of education in the store, in the car, on the subway and while cooking dinner. Some set a goal for themselves: to devote at least 20-30 minutes a day to self-education. Now it’s even easier.
Reason 4: speech development
We are used to hearing: the more we read, the more correctly we speak. It’s true. The brain is so arranged that imperceptibly for ourselves we begin to imitate the speech of those we like. The same thing happens when listening to audiobooks. We enrich the vocabulary, memorize the correct speech turns, new words and expressions, which we then build into speech.
Reason 5: A chance to feel like a kid again
When we were kids, our parents often read to us before bed. The audiobook allows you not only to return to the calm and happy moments of childhood, but also to fall asleep faster.
Reason 6: Learn Empathy
Listening to the book, we are emotionally involved in the experiences of the characters, we imagine ourselves in their place, which means we learn empathy. The emotions that we experience in the process of getting to know the book enrich us, help us understand those we meet in real life.
Reason 7: improve concentration
Many will agree: it is worth a little distraction – and now we have already lost the thread of the story and we can hardly grasp the meaning. This is because listening and hearing are different functions of the brain. Using them at the same time, we develop concentration of attention and learn how to process information quickly.
Today we have less and less time to read books. In this case, audio content becomes a suitable alternative. Just a couple of clicks, and you can find the material of interest and enjoy listening to books, articles, lectures and podcasts.