Audiobooks have been surging in popularity and sales have been increasing for the past eight years. I started listening to them four years ago and ADORE them! Due to my job(s) requiring me to read so much and not for recreation, but intense focused reading and editing, I spend hours in front of a computer reading every day. Honestly, my eyes are bugging out by the end of the day due to reading and editing manuscripts, and reading and answering volumes of emails, and artificial tears have become my best friend. It is really hard to read for fun after work hours even though there are books I really want to read!

So, audiobooks have saved my recreational reading and allow me to “read” voraciously before and after putting in full work days. I listen to audiobooks when I take care of household chores and when I am driving. And I have been a casual audiopuzzler for the past two years.

I first came across the term #audiopuzzling on my favourite book app, Litsy (which is like Instagram but only for books), and had to give it a go. It is incredibly relaxing and a perfect escape from life. It is actually quite meditative to put in my ear buds, turn on an audiobook, and work away at a puzzle. It is completely immersive and you end up very much in the moment as you follow the story and find puzzle pieces that fit together. There is no room for intruding thoughts or stress – you are too focused on the story and the puzzle. The added benefit for me is that my eyes get a break from the computer screen and my phone.

Due to the pandemic, puzzles have seen a huge increase in popularity due to most people staying home more and needing activities to keep them busy. In the early days of the pandemic, we actually experienced a puzzle shortage as puzzle manufacturers struggled to catch up to the steep increase in demand. Yes, we have actually lived through the Great Puzzle Shortage of 2020!

I’m surprised by the number of people who have never heard of audiopuzzling or never thought to blend the activities of audiobook listening with doing a puzzle. So, if you haven’t given #audiopuzzling a try yet, maybe this post will inspire you to try it.

Listen, puzzle, relax…

– Stacey

* and check out the finished puzzle here!