Technology is enriching our lives in ways which only a few years ago we would not thought of as science fiction. Who would have believed that not only would we slow down the destruction of trees and forests used for making paper and cardboard for hardcover and paperback books by developing the ability to carry and listen to entire libraries of books on devices that can fit into a jacket pocket or hang around the neck!

Seriously? Oh yes, through the introduction of audio books.

Audio books enable us to do other things at the same time, particularly physical activities for which we do not need our minds, for example household chores, walking the dog, working out, jogging etc. while still listening to the book.

More and more people are seeing the benefits of audio books and are buying their favorite books in this format.

If you are considering trying audio books but maybe still wonder about how and when you would 'read' them, here are 6 of places you can enjoy an audio book:

1—IN BED - Sometimes we feel unwell or off colour and may just want to spend the day or a few hours relaxing in bed; or maybe we go to bed at night and simply want to lie till until drifting naturally off to sleep.

This is a great time to listen to an audio book: You have no bother with putting on the lights, holding the book, flipping through the pages or the effort of reading the book itself. You just relax and chill out while the entire book is read to you!

2—IN THE KITCHEN - while doing household chores such as washing the dishes, general cleaning, or even preparing a meal. Many of us find these tasks somewhat tedious, certainly the chore of washing the dishes.

This is a great time to listen to an audio book because your hands are busy but your mind is receptive; instead of feeling bored and fed up you can fill your mind with the pleasure of listening to a book of your choice.

3--GARDENING - this is another mainly physical activity when we don't have to make great use of our brains. You can also listen to audio books while gardening and have the pleasure of your book along with the satisfaction of getting the job done.

4—EXERCISING or JOGGING - Weights, aerobics or simply jogging leave your mind wide open but your hands, legs and even your entire body busy. This is a great time to enjoy an audio book.

A lot of us tend to exercise, whether for minutes or even hours while their minds do nothing. But listening to an audio book during this time will ensure you don't waste those periods of time.

Talk about killing 2 birds with one stone - exercising your body and mind at the same time!

5--COMMUTING - This may be in your car or the bus or train ride to work. Many people lose a great deal of time doing nothing while commuting to and from their jobs - and the sheer boredom of it can make them feel tired and irritable.

Why not use that time to listen to an audio book, especially one that develops your mind and/or improves your professional and business skills? Listening to audio books that improve your skills can significantly help you develop career; more useful than simply sitting there or even listening to music.

6—AIR TRAVEL - You may not believe it, but there are people who spend more time in the air (or waiting in airport s!) than on the road. As with more traditional commuting, this can be wasted and frustrating time which can be put to good use.

If you are a regular or even an occasional air traveler, consider the enormous benefits you would get listening to audio books, especially those that can improve your academic or work related skills; or simply listening to a favourite novel. Great distraction for the kids too if they're travelling with you......

These are just a few situations arising in many of our lives where audio books can provide entertainment and/or the opportunity to improve our professional skills; there are many others which you may well have thought of as you read this text.