It’s a really noisy world out there. Cars, people, mobile phones, and countless other distractions. Hectic and chaotic as it is, it’s getting harder to find some quiet time for ourselves. From the moment we wake up, we tend to get caught pretty easily in our busy lives, starting with work emails, ending with being online.
It seems like we’ve become attached or even addicted to our own busyness. Well, no doubt that modern life is demanding. It asks us to be multitasking, although it has been proven that it’s actually counterproductive. It also asks us to be present, but are we really here?
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The truth is that we wear busyness like a badge of honor while silence is underrated. We prefer talking over keeping quiet, perhaps out of habit. Nonetheless, recent studies show the incredible health benefits of quiet time. For those of us who rely on creativity at our jobs, it’s crucial.
There are many famous who enjoyed the sounds of silence, among which J.K. Rowling, Carl Jung or Henry David Thoreau. Research tells us that silence can work miracles for our well-being: it can restore our nervous system, help sustain energy, as well as make us more creative and more productive in the long run. But greater results come from real silence, and not a mere escape from distractions and chit-chat.
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Here’s what you can do to cultivate deep silence:
1. Take 5 minutes per day to just sit with yourself
You could do this either first thing in the morning or right before going to bed. Depending on the time of the day you choose, taking a few minutes of complete silence will prepare you for a greater day ahead or ensure you a good night’s sleep.
2. Go on a media fast
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This seems unbelievably hard to do since we’ve almost become one with our gadgets. Social media is now taking up most of our leisure time, but you can fight back. How about you take a break from social media, as well as news and entertainment?
This type of fasting will detox your mind from unnecessary and to a certain extent even toxic content. Use that time instead to communicate silently with yourself.
3. Take a walk in nature
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Going into the woods is a pastime we’re no longer familiar with. This is another reason why we should restore our connection with nature. Ditch your phone and all your worries and immerse yourself in a nice park or forest nearby. This will not only allow you to forget about all your troubles, but also clear your thinking and improve your ability to concentrate.
4. Try a meditation retreat
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This will give you a chance to turn inward and awaken your intuition. The benefits of even a short retreat are amazing. Of course you don’t necessarily need to go somewhere to meditate. Whatever you do, choose a quiet spot, away from any kind of disturbances and practice meditation there. You will notice how your mind clears, your breathing slows down and your body feels lighter.
In a louder world, choose to practice silence. It will make you happier, kinder and more productive. Please share this!
