In this day and age, even if you don't live in a bustling city, you may still experience constant noise. We have become accustomed to noise everywhere we go, including our homes. Unconsciously, you may prefer "background noise" to block out any unwanted thoughts or feelings that arise. So even if you play music, podcasts, or TV for a specific purpose and to improve yourself, have you ever stopped to think about what it would be like to choose silence? While meditation practice is important, cultivating moments of silence outside of meditation can be very beneficial.
Improve brain health
Research shows that remaining silent can stimulate new brain cells in the hippocampus, the brain's memory center. It also helps with emotional regulation and our ability to learn new things. By strengthening this part of the brain, we can receive and process information more efficiently, including highly emotional or stressful situations. By becoming more aware of what is happening and fully processing it, it becomes more likely to let go and move on. Establishing this emotional balance can be extremely helpful in moving through life with resilience and optimism. Silence allows the brain to rest, reflect, and release stagnant stimulation to make room for new stimulation.
Silence is also great for improving concentration. So, if you need to focus on work, try to avoid any background noise or music and instead let your brain focus all its attention on the task at hand. When you're talking to other people, silence may help you really listen to what they're saying.
Silence can increase mindfulness and self-awareness
Mindfulness is an amazing practice that everyone should implement in their life, and in silence, mindfulness is effortlessly enhanced. By eliminating auditory stimulation, we can become very involved in what is going on around us and within us. It allows us to truly notice the thoughts that come to our mind and become a witness, acknowledging them and removing all judgment. Self-awareness is a practice that takes time. By becoming aware of our patterns and habits, we can self-reflect and choose to keep those things that serve us and let go of those things that hold us back, without judgment or compassion.
Reduce stress levels
In the world of health and wellness, we are awash with information and ideas about what to do when you are stressed or anxious. However, instead of reaching out for guided meditations, motivational podcasts, or calming songs, try silence. Research shows that two minutes of silence can be more calming than relaxing music, lowering blood pressure and increasing oxygen flow to the brain. By remaining still and silent, we tune into our true nature and the mind-body-spirit connection is strengthened.
Improve creativity
It is human nature in us to be creative, but we are often too busy to have moments of inspiration. When we reduce auditory input, we can focus more and understand what's going on around us. Additionally, by quieting the mind, we naturally become calmer and more relaxed, which brings us into a zone of inspiration. This can cause our minds to daydream and wonder, and it can even prompt our minds to generate spontaneous thoughts, realizations, insights, and even answers to questions that have been plaguing us.
Adding some moments of silence into your day can go a long way toward improving our overall health. It might even be the missing piece of your healthy routine. Try to start your day in a quiet way and be very mindful and alert while drinking your morning drink. Then try meditating quietly, focusing on your breathing. Take a walk in nature and resist the urge to put on music or a podcast and instead embrace tranquility and create a closer connection with your surroundings. If you feel uncomfortable and experience negative or even positive emotions, try sitting quietly.
Silence allows us to simply be and find a home within ourselves.
