Why ‘Silent is Better’ Should Be Your New Mantra

Silence has long been associated with a lack of communication, but it’s time to turn that idea on its head. In today’s fast-paced world where noise and distraction are rampant, embracing silence can actually be incredibly beneficial for our mental health and wellbeing. Whether you’re an introvert who craves quiet or simply need a break from the constant barrage of information, here are some reasons why “silent is better” should become your new mantra.

The Power of Silence in Our Lives

We often associate silence with emptiness or awkwardness. But what if we thought about it as something powerful?

Mental Clarity

When we eliminate external stimuli like noise and chatter around us, it opens up space for our thoughts to breathe. Silence allows us to focus solely on what’s happening within ourselves and tap into ideas that would have otherwise remained dormant.

Improved Memory

A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University found that exposure to even low-level background noise can impair memory consolidation – the process that moves things from short-term memory into long-term storage [1]. On the other hand, when there’s little sound outside in natural settings such as forests and fields – or non-natural ones such as reading quietly at home without music or TV – this kind-of reduces external distractions letting brain hold (retaining) details over longer periods [2].

Productivity Boost

Many of us will testify how complete concentration helps productivity soar while working from home remotely amidst pandemic amid challenges posed by family members / housemates being under same roof 24/7 (useful links below). Imagine having lesser sounds distracting one every now and then! Conducive silent spaces improves efficiency once workload needs prioritising!

Picture yourself waking up early morning whilst birds chirp nearby: imagine eyes still damp due happy sleep, taking deep breathe filling up lungs; and enjoying perfect quite listening moment before a day takes charge. It’s not just about getting your beauty sleep.

The Benefits of Silent Spaces

The benefits to silence are more than just mental – it can also have physical implications as well!

Stress Reduction

You might be gobsmacked when we tell you that researchers in Austria found complete silence lowered cortisol and adrenaline levels significantly (fancy way of reducing stress hormones) [3]. On the other hand, loud noises cause stress which eventually leads to negative effects on body via increased heart rates due to “fight or flight” mode making work burdensome.

Boosts Immune System

Research has suggested that spending time in serene quiet location boosts generation of cells linked with immunity system boosting. Thereby good health boost for those locked indoors is simply quietude away.

Need For New Ideas , Innovation & Creativity

How many times have people said they came up with the best idea(s)/insights during walk / silent meditation? Kierkegaard was known for taking lengthy walks daily dressed elegantly; same goes with Beethoven who would routinely take solitary walks whenever composer was stuck creatively so much so many consider him beacon warrior into world’s greatest musical geniuses history ever witnessed!

Silence frees up space wherein muses works their magic generating unique/creative thoughts laying foundations different from rest brain generate hindered by external factors. Try embracing silence outdoors or indoors while working intermittently especially whilst projects demands major “aha” moments.
indispensables once we become restless particularly when problem solving .

Perhaps one can start enjoying solitude embrace moments on own terms without stretching ourselves constantly look outward for stimulation: reflection, ideation spurred under self reflections deliver unexpected insights/wisdom/significance better solving problems meet challenges posed each day enhanced focus calmer encounters both at home/workplace. So let’s make it habit building ‘quiet time’ soon.

Sources:

[1] “Why Silence Is So Good For Your Brain | HuffPost Australia.” Accessed April 05, 2021. https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/why-silence-is-so-good-for-your-brain_au_5acd822ce4b07a3485e7697d.

[2] Encyclopædia Britannica, s.v. “Memory – Encoding: how do we remember?”, last modified November 9, 2018.

[3] Leahy,, Jennifer. “Science Says Silence Is Much More Important to Our Brains Than We Think .” CNBC , March 28, 2019.

Useful Links

Working from home? Here’s How to Stay Productive
https://hbr.org/2020/03/a-guide-to-managing-your-newly-remote-workers

How Reading Can Improve Mental Health During COVID-19
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-reading-can-improve-mental-health-during-covid-19

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