One area of technology that has made a tremendous difference in my life is audio books. I have been an avid book reader since I was young, but with family obligations, careers, and two children, time constraints took their toll. I was no longer able to read as much as I wanted. In fact, there were long periods of time when I wasn’t able to read any books at all, much to my disheartened soul.

Finally, technology came along and sparked my desire for wisdom through words, while addressing my time constraints with downloadable audio books. Not just a few, but thousands and thousands of audio book selections. Who would have ever believed that not only could we cut down on the way we use up our vegetation making hardcover and paperback books, but we would also be able to "listen" to our books instead of "reading" them opening up all sorts of new and exciting possibilities.

I have been absorbed in a book ever since, whether it’s a new release, old classic, or new information on health or business issues. I find listening to novels is a great way to relax and pass the time particularly when commuting. Certainly cuts down on my road rage! Then, when I want to feed my brain with new information or the experiences of others, I listen to the experts in the fields of business and health.

With audio books, we now have the unique advantage of doing other things that take up our hands, but not our minds. We can now do other things like household chores, exercise, etc while still having the book read to us. More and more people are embracing the wonders of audio books and buying their favorite books in the audio book version.

Here are five of the most splendid ways and places I have found to enjoy audio books while relaxing or recouping otherwise lost time.

In Bed - There are certain days when you just don't want to do anything but just lie in bed and do nothing. You’re not really sleepy, just physically tired or stressed. Audio books are a great way to relax or relieve boredom. You can also listen to audio books while falling asleep.

You won’t have to bother turning on the lights, holding the book, flipping through pages or the eyestrain and stress of reading the book itself. A great way to have the whole book read to you in an interesting, intriguing manner while you just rest and relax.

In the Kitchen – You can listen to an audio book while doing household chores such as washing the dishes or cooking. For some people it can be very boring being in the kitchen, especially washing the dishes, scrubbing the floor, or other such chores. This is a great time to enjoy an audio book because your hands are busy but your mind is free.

Instead of feeding your mind with negative thoughts during this time, an audio book is a wonderful alternative. You could lose yourself in a mystery or romance novel, or learn positive thinking through one of the many self-help books on mastering your thoughts.

While exercising - Walking, jogging or using the treadmill are all excellent times to enjoy audio books. All of these exercise routines keep your hands, legs and even your entire body busy, but leave your mind open to wander. This is a great time to enjoy an audio book.

Most people perform exercises for several hours a week while their minds do nothing. However, listening to an audio book during this time ensures you don't waste available time to exercise your brain while you exercise body.

Talk about killing two birds with one stone - exercising your body and mind at the same time! In addition, did you know that you would exercise longer and harder if you’re concentrating on something else other than exercise? Audio books are a great boost to your normal workout.

On the road commuting - This could either be in your personal car or on a commercial bus or train ride to work. You see, many people lose a great deal of time doing nothing while commuting to and from their jobs every day.

Why don’t you recoup that valuable time listening to an audio book?  Especially valuable are ones that develop your mind and/or improve your professional and business skills. You can impress your boss, further your career and look forward to your commute every day.

When I’m listening to a good audio book while commuting, I can’t wait until I get into the car so I can continue listening to it. Audio books just make the drive so much more entertaining and much less stressful. Plus, the time just flies. In fact, sometimes I find myself actually wishing my commute was longer!

In the air while traveling - You wouldn't believe it, but there are many people who spend more time in the air than on road. There are professional assignments that involve traveling from one state to the other, or even from one country to the other. Add in heightened airport security these days and it takes even longer to get to your destination with more waiting in lines and more hassles.

If you are in such a situation, consider the enormous benefits you would get listening to audio books, especially those that can improve your professional skills. There are many audio book courses made specifically for professionals to improve their skills in many areas of their professions such as sales, marketing, presentations, and customer acquisition and retention.

I used to travel frequently all around the United States and occasionally to Japan. I wish that I had access to audio books back then. It sure would have made traveling much more productive and easier to bear.

I hope this article gives you some ideas as to the many places that you might enjoy audio books. Additionally, I hope you have learned how you can easily feed and exercise your brain while eliminating boredom and time loss, and enhance your quality of life and state of mind.