How to Do Nothing Minimalism in a Busy World

In a world that’s constantly hustling and bustling, and continually bombarding us with images, technology, and clutter, doing nothing can be just what we need to center ourselves. But it turns out, you have to know a lot to do very little. Fortunately, more and more people are embracing the practices of minimalism (both in day-to-day realities and the digital space) and mindfulness every day. Consciously paring back can have great mental health benefits. Here are a few audiobooks to help you learn how to unplug, declutter, and de-stress, so you can get started on living a focused life.

How to Do Nothing

Resisting the Attention Economy

By: Jenny Odell

Narrated by: Rebecca Gibel

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Release date: 05-07-19

Language: English

3.5 out of 5 stars 722 ratings

This is one of the best listens on doing nothing, all narrated in the steady, soothing voice of voice actress Rebecca Gibel. Author and artist Jenny Odell explains what we would see if we took a step back from our devices and shows how learning to look past all the noise on social media can help us take better, bolder steps in life.
Antisocial

Online Extremists, Techno-Utopians, and the Hijacking of the American Conversation

By: Andrew Marantz

Narrated by: Andrew Marantz

Length: 15 hrs and 8 mins

Release date: 10-08-19

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 636 ratings

The internet definitely has been an overwhelming positive development for the world. But when it was first introduced, no one could have foreseen how it has also become a forum for bullying, bigotry, and violence. Andrew Marantz, who narrates his own work, talks about his research into the age of online hate, exploring how extremists and criminals have exploited social media for their personal fear-mongering campaigns. Marantz also asks a question that just might encourage you to stay unplugged: Is the web too far gone to be fixed?
Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now

By: Jaron Lanier

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 4 hrs and 44 mins

Release date: 05-29-18

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 1,283 ratings

Yes, the sharable memes and relatable content may be good for a fleeting laugh, but did you know that people who look at social media on a daily basis are more prone to anxiety and depression? According to author Jaron Lanier, social media makes people crave attention and acceptance; it fools them with airbrushed photos of perfect lives they'll never have, all while scraping their personal information for financial gain. Audie Award-winning narrator Oliver Wyman has the perfect cadence to both deliver the bad news about social media and to offer you the tips and tools you need to kick your digital habit—for good.
Goodbye, Things

The New Japanese Minimalism

By: Fumio Sasaki, Eriko Sugita - translator

Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka

Length: 4 hrs and 32 mins

Release date: 04-11-17

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 11,628 ratings

Fumio Sasaki is not a minimalism expert like Marie Kondo. He's just a guy who wanted to clean up his messy life. So, he started throwing out things that he didn't absolutely need, and the results were amazing. By learning how to live with less, Sasaki began to appreciate the things that were still in his life so much more. If you’re seeking to scale back and pare down, this humble yet uplifting listen is just what you need, made all the more encouraging with Keith Szarabajka's genial, warm narration.
Free to Focus

A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less

By: Michael Hyatt

Narrated by: Michael Hyatt

Length: 4 hrs and 50 mins

Release date: 04-09-19

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 1,326 ratings

Many, many people find themselves working more than they want to, with the office bleeding into their home lives and even their days off. Narrating his own research on the distraction economy, Michael Hyatt explains how the Internet has led us to believe most things are urgent, while simultaneously distracting us and disrupting our productivity, prolonging the time spent working. Hyatt's system will help you cut out nonessentials, eliminate distractions, learn to set boundaries, and more.
Digital Minimalism

Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World

By: Cal Newport

Narrated by: Will Damron, Cal Newport

Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins

Release date: 02-05-19

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 5,191 ratings

From time to time, almost all of us suffer from FOMO: fear of missing out. These days, there are so many social media sites, apps, and websites, but we may not truly be benefiting from any of them. Newport explains what digital minimalism is and makes his case for why you should decrease your screen time, starting with simple things like turning off notifications and alerts, and working up to paring down your exposure to the internet.
How to Break Up with Your Phone

The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life

By: Catherine Price

Narrated by: Emily Rankin

Length: 4 hrs and 28 mins

Release date: 06-19-18

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 336 ratings

Do you find yourself going to check one thing on your phone…only to look up an hour later? Here, author Catherine Price presents her plan to help you learn how to curtail your inclination to stare at your screen several times a day. What’s more, she explains how a digital detox enables you to have a long-term relationship with your phone that will make you healthier and happier. Emily Rankin's crisp narration helps make Price’s points seem even clearer and more concise, making for a listen that’s easily digestible and immediately applicable.
The Minimalist Way

Minimalism Strategies to Declutter Your Life and Make Room for Joy

By: Erica Layne

Narrated by: Suehyla El-Attar

Length: 4 hrs

Release date: 07-16-19

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 2,258 ratings

Erica Layne is founder of The Life On Purpose Movement, a community of women devoted to living with intention. In this listen, she explains minimalism, outlines the principles, and helps you get on your way to living a clutter-free life. Her gentle, expressive prose is underscored by the melodic, soft delivery of Suehyla El-Attar, who makes this audiobook as relaxing as it is inspiring and informative.

No results