Image: Ross Hindmarch, GQ España, October 2015
In our fast-paced, always-on world, silence has become a rare luxury. The constant hum of life in urban environments, the relentless pings of notifications, and our ever-present devices create a discord that can drown out peace and creativity. Yet, the benefits of immersing ourselves in silence are profound. From lowering stress levels to boosting creativity and improving brain health, the act of seeking silence is not merely an escape but a return to equilibrium.
Let’s take a look deeper into these benefits;
Lowering Stress Levels
The first and most immediate benefit of silence is its capacity to lower stress levels. A study published in 'Heart', a peer-reviewed journal which focuses on the science and clinical practice of cardiology, made a discovery. They found that just two minutes of silence can be more relaxing than listening to relaxing music, suggesting that silence itself has a profound calming effect on the brain and body. This can be attributed to the decrease in cortisol levels and the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body to rest and digest.
Improving Creativity
Silence also serves as a fertile ground for creativity. In the absence of external noise, our brains can wander, imagine, and create new connections. This quietness allows for deeper thinking and boosts our internal dialogue. There’s a study in the 'Journal of Environmental Psychology' that highlights environments with low levels of noise enhance creativity by facilitating cognitive processing. So it could be said that silence is not empty, but in fact, full of answers.
Enhancing Brain Health
Embracing silence has been linked to improved brain health. Research conducted by Duke University found that periods of silence could stimulate brain cell growth in the hippocampus, the region related to memory. This suggests that silence can be a catalyst for neurogenesis, leading to better memory and an overall healthier brain. The hardest working organ that most seem to be neglect when it comes to wellbeing.
Other Benefits
Beyond these points, silence has been shown to improve sleep, enhance concentration, and even foster a deeper sense of self-awareness and connection. By stepping away from the noise, we allow ourselves to confront our thoughts and feelings directly, leading to greater personal insight and emotional health.
How to Incorporate Silence into Life?
Incorporating silence into a daily routine doesn't require drastic changes. It can be as simple as committing a few minutes each day to sit in quiet room to reflect. Taking a silent walk in nature (with or without a dog) to source some calm. Or perhaps practicing mindful meditation while on the routine commute. Experts suggest starting with short periods of silence, and gradually increasing as we become more comfortable. Aiming for at least 10 to 20 minutes of silence daily to experience its full benefits.
If you’re interested in exploring the power of silence further, books like "Silence: In the Age of Noise" by Erling Kagge provide a philosophical exploration of silence's role in our lives. Websites such as The Mindful Word (themindfulword.org) and platforms like Headspace offer guided meditations and articles on the benefits of silence and mindfulness (that’s something I use).
