With the bouts of chaos erupting in the world, it is completely understandable to cherish moments of peace and silence.
The mental health-focused information portal Psych Central states, “If you fill your free time with noisy activities, you may be missing out on the advantages that silence can provide.”
So, how can silence benefit your health?
Below are a few ways as listed by Psych Central.
1. Helps with concentration
Psychologist Dr Elizabeth Lombardo shares that silence can help with concentration. She explains, “One of the reasons why silence has become such an important part of everyday life is the ability to focus when the modern world and its many noises bombard your brain all at once.”
2. Boosts creativity
In her book Saving Our Children From Our Chaotic World: Teaching Children the Magic of Silence and Stillness, author Maggie Dent writes that creativity is a great benefit of silence, adding, “The zone of inspiration needs the mind to be calm and relaxed, and the body needs to be in the background.”
3. Relieves stress
Silence may help decrease stress levels by lowering cortisol adrenaline levels, says the above-mentioned info hub. Licensed clinical social worker Brent Metcalf adds that, when we allow ourselves to be in the presence of silence, we allow our brains to be refreshed by slowing down.
If you have a busy life, it is still possible to find time for silence. Calm – a brand that supports various mental health journeys – lists the following five ways to do so:
- Adapt the practice to your lifestyle.
- Build silence into your schedule.
- Create a quiet space at home.
- Incorporate silence into your meditation practice.
- Set boundaries with others.
The above-mentioned brand also shares a few examples of quiet time rituals. These include:
- Embracing natural silence.
- Getting rest.
- Reading fiction.
- Setting an intention.
- Self-reflection.
Also see: How to silence your insecurities, according to experts
