@Edent I often listen to audio books when doing work around the house, during walks and while flying or taking public transportation. Stuff that requires minimal mental bandwidth.

@Edent hmm. I tend to only consume an audio book when I'm doing something else, like driving, walking the dogs or doing housework. Otherwise I read

@Edent
Wash dishes or fold laundry

Thanks for all the suggestions. I ended up doing a lot of Sudoku and watching the flight map while listening

Not entirely sure audiobooks are right for me, but a fun experiment.

@Edent I mostly listen to podcasts when running (which avoids the problem) but the one audiobook I listened to recently was a 32 hour unabridged reading of Joyce's Ulysses, which I listened to (@ 1.3x) while simultaneously reading the book. The combination of both at once kept my attention from wandering and helped me power thru endless lists and diversions and rambles and "what *is* this?"

@Edent I've been listening to books long enough that I don't think about it, but options that might work on a plane include hand stretches, applying hand lotion, filing nails, or organizing belongings in carry-on bag.

@Edent @masek I‘m driving, cleaning the house, doing dishes … but that’s nothing you can do while flying 😅

So maybe try to switch it: listen to soft music while reading a book?

@Edent I play the game Threes! All that screen usage is power hungry though so only good on a flight with seat power outlets

@Edent
I don't listen to audiobooks, but sometimes I am in conference calls, where I have to listen carefully, while not speaking or presenting anything.

There I do some diamonds block creations, mostly architecture like this one:

This is not too complicated and allows me to not drifting away from the call.

@Edent i put on the random „Airshow“ maps and stats rotation on the entertainment screen

@Edent Embroidery 🙂

@Edent best for commuting or dishes or any cleaning… anything that uses the body but leave the mind available.

@Edent If the book is important, listening to the audio while reading the printed version will increase the attention, understanding, recollection. If not, walking on my commute to work is the time for audiobooks/podcasts. And never while driving.

@Edent I have the exact same problem. Probably not practical for a flight, but I do simple tasks: listen in the car, while building Lego, doing a jigsaw/diamond art.

Perhaps in your case a small puzzle might help? Rubik's Cube, sudoku, mini Etch-a-Sketch?

@Edent I consume podcasts whilst doing the washing up, driving, and walking the dog. If my hands and eyes weren't engaged with other tasks, I would be reading.

Oh. And falling asleep. But that's strictly a job for *The Unbelievable Truth".

@Edent have you tried crochet? Or a Rubik's cube? 😛
Seriously though, I occasionally struggle with this too. When at home I sometimes do menial chores like dishwashing, but on a plane I often just accept the fact I might fall asleep and have to rewind, and that's OK. Maybe an ADHD-style fidget toy may help?

@Edent
I think sleeping is great during a flight!

@Edent stare out window

@Edent interesting problem 🤔
Fidget tools? Rubic's cube?

@Edent
#Knitting

@Edent
Folding origami or try to repair the defective wired headphones with aluminum chewing gum wrappers (like MacGyver)
* Yes, I was bored on a transatlantic flight once 😅...

@Edent driving, walking, cooking and other 'automatic' processes. I also use familiar books to get to sleep - a habit I started when stressed due to a shit boss.

@Edent

> People who listen to audio books - please help! What do you do with your eyes/hands when listening?

In the context of your question, I appreciate that this is entirely unhelpful, but I do the vacuuming and other housework!

(Active sound reducing headphones ftw.)

@Edent Not mentioned yet but might work on a plane: one of those mindfulness colouring-in or drawing books? See if there's a WHSmiths equivalent in the departure lounge?

@Edent My hands do nothing as I use audiobooks to fall asleep. No joke: that method has a 99% success rate. I just lie there trying go listen someone reading some book and, poof, I am sleeping.

@Edent Isn't drifting off to sleep on a 9 hour flight desirable?

@Edent on train rides I look out of the windows or doodle while listening

@Edent I find I can only walk or do dishes while listening to audio books

@Edent knitting. And I end up with a useful item as a bonus

@Edent I'll be honest, even if it is not the advice you're looking for: If you drift off to sleep, it is probably a sign that you're sleep deprived and need the sleep. Is it important to stay awake because of jet lag? (I'm very ignorant on this topic and haven't flown in a long time)

@Edent since you are sitting: maybe simple games with minimal input like Tetris, breakout, etc?
interesting question, I listen to many audio books but I’m always busy doing something. Walking, washing dishes, driving, etc

@Edent Usually I'm doing something physical, like mowing the lawn or driving. So how about flying the plane? 😂

@Edent I can only listen to audiobooks while doing other things. Mostly the more mindless work tasks. Sometimes there’s a conflict and I have to back a ways.

@Edent I only really listen to audiobooks when I'm walking.

In this context, my eyes tend to be used for the purpose of ensuring I put my feet in the correct place in an attempt to avoid dying in traffic.

@Edent Usually doing something else anyway but I guess that's harder if on a plane. Draw?

@Edent I normally listen whilst driving - but when listening & not driving I tend to either close my eyes or just look without focus into the middle distance.

@Edent jigsaws!

@Edent
Close your eyes and focus on the audio and hope you don't fall asleep. 😁