When you take a guided meditation or yoga class, the instructor will tell you to focus on just one thing (usually your breathing). It makes sense, then, that listening to a book without having to consciously concentrate on the pages would allow you to find peace and calm. An added benefit of audiobooks is that your headphones will block out ambient background noise, especially if you have a good pair of noise-canceling ones.
Audiobooks have the ability to transport you away from stressors in your life, if only for a few minutes or hours. Whether you can't let go of a trying work situation or you've had a disagreement with a friend or family member, losing yourself in someone else's words (or world, if you choose to listen to a work of fiction) occupies your mind in a productive way.
Other techniques can help you enter a more restful state from the moment you set sail. Maintaining a normal sleep schedule, staying hydrated and eating plenty of nutritious foods are always good ideas. Even if you pull the occasional all-nighter or have a grand family feast, healthy habits keep your body and mind balanced during your cruise, priming you for rest and relaxation.
Audiobooks are only the beginning of how your smartphone or tablet can help you sleep. Apps like Calm, Pacifica and Breathe to Relax were created using research and insights from sleep scientists. Also try to avoid using your device late at night, whether you're on the open sea or enjoying a perfect day at Coco Cay. The "blue light" of a phone or tablet can impact the circadian rhythms that control your body's sleep cycles.
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