Reading is one of my favorite things, but lately, life has been so busy it gets shoved to the end of the day. I fall asleep without enjoying the story, and, more often than not, I get whacked in the face when my book or e-Reader falls from my hand. Insult to injury!

Things change. Life moves on. I’ve had to roll with the punches the last few years. (Actually, I got knocked out and woke up in a new life. Fine. It’s whatever. But life is going to have to pry my book out of my cold, dead hand before I will give up reading.

I NEED that escape. (And that new book boyfriend. IFKYK.)

So here’s a list of 7 ways to read while getting shit done:

1. Clean

You know what’s better than cleaning? Literally anything else. But pair it with an audiobook, and suddenly, wiping down the baseboards feels like you’re on a hot date with the hero/ine you’ve been holding out for. You’ll be so engrossed in the plot that you won’t even realize you’ve scrubbed your bathroom until it sparkles brighter than the rainbows behind your eyelids when you have what she’s having.

2. Rip Up Old Carpet (Or whatever needs renovation at your house)

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of ripping up that ancient, shaggy beast of a carpet that’s been haunting your home since the early 2000’s. Pair this primal act of destruction with a romance novel, and it doesn’t even feel like work. As the heroine finally dumps the no-good cheater, you can channel that same energy into ripping out every last stubborn fiber. By the time she’s moved on to a worthy partner, you’ll have moved on to beautiful new flooring.

3. Drive (But please keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel.)

Who says a road trip has to be lonely? With a romance novel, it’s like you’ve got a couple of swoon-worthy characters riding shotgun. As they navigate the bumpy roads of love, you’ll be eating up the miles. Just be careful that you don’t get so wrapped up in their sexy shenanigans that you forget you are operating several thousand pounds of machinery!

4. Get Your Steps In (Because fitness can’t be fictional, unfortunately.)

Walking is great for your health, but walking while listening to a romance novel? That’s great for your heart (in more ways than one!). By the time you hit 7,000 steps, you’ll be ready for the big romantic reveal… and maybe you’ll meet a real life romantic possibility while you’re out and about.

5. Cook

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, so why not whip up something delicious while indulging in a love story? Whether it’s a cozy meal for one or a romantic dinner for two, let a slow-burn romance guide your seasoning. Just don’t let the steamy scenes distract you from the stove. It’s okay for the story to catch fire. Your dinner? Not so much! (Looking for foodie romance novels? You’re in the right place!)

6. Declutter

As you listen to a tale of epic battles or romantic entanglements, why not channel that energy into clearing out your closet? Throwing out that ancient sweater that’s been lurking in the back feels so much more satisfying when you imagine you’re tossing out the toxic ex who broke the heroine’s heart. And hey, the audiobook might just inspire you to make room for some new clothes to garnish your delicious self!

7. Beat Insomnia (Or at least find a happy ending.)

Can’t sleep? Why not let a romance novel lull you into dreamland? The melodic voice of the narrator, combined with a story where love conquers all, is the perfect soother. And if the story doesn’t put you to sleep, you can always take matters in hand yourself… Because really, what’s more comforting than knowing that in the end, love always wins (self-love or otherwise)?

So there you have it! Whether you’re tackling chores, tending your bod, or just trying to relax, there’s no better companion than a good romance audiobook. Multitasking has never been so pleasurable! Now go ahead and dive into that love story while you conquer your to-do list—because why not have it all?