Can Silence Help Reduce Your Stress?

By Alice Jones

No matter how hard we try, we can’t avoid stress in our lives entirely. Even the people who handle the unexpected and unpleasant situations with ease sometimes find themselves feeling physically and emotionally “drained.” Considering how stressful the world has become with the coronavirus justifiably scaring everyone, stress can seem inescapable right now.

Avoiding stress altogether, therefore, shouldn’t be a goal we set out to accomplish. Instead, we should focus on learning how to effectively deal with stress and relieve it throughout the day.

There are many ways to press pause and prioritize your wellbeing, but did you know that spending some time in silence can help you restore emotional and mental balance? Here’s how it works.

The science of “noise pollution”

If you often feel exhausted at the end of the day, although you haven’t done anything that should wear you out that much, there’s an aspect of your daily life that might be the cause you can’t identify.

You probably know that exposing yourself to loud noises for prolonged periods of time can damage your hearing, but have you ever thought about what all the auditory ruckus you process throughout the day can do to your mental wellbeing?

The way that noise affects our brains

You’ve already gotten used to hearing traffic sounds, groups of people chattering at your favorite local coffee shop, or sounds of telephones ringing in the workplace. However, the multitude of these sounds can wear out your mind significantly, and even lead to higher blood pressure and the risk of a heart attack, scientists say.

Here’s another fact you should know about. The potential harm of “noise pollution” was recognized as a valid concern and raising awareness about this issue is in its full swing. April 29th is the date reserved for the Annual International Noise Awareness Day (INAD), and during their gatherings, the organizers of these events work hard to educate visitors about the potential risks and remedies for alleviating symptoms of “auditory overload”.

The fault in the way we live

Before the digital age, people were more inclined to dedicate time to resting silently on their own. However, how do we do that now that we’ve gotten so used to never letting go of our smartphones? 

Do you often find yourself scrolling through your social media feeds when you’re on a break, listening to podcasts during the commute to spend time “productively”, or binge-watching your favorite shows and films when you have some free time at home? If the answer is strong, resounding yes, it’s time for a change of pace.

Of course, none of these activities are bad per se. What can cause you harm, however, is living in a way that leaves no space for a meaningful silence from time to time, just to clear your thoughts and cleanse your mind.

The benefits of introducing silence into your daily routine

According to the psychologists who researched the matter, embracing silence can benefit both your body and your mind. Here are just a few of the ways how silence heals:

• It boosts your immune system,
• It lowers your blood pressure and improves blood circulation to the brain,
• It regulates the flow of hormones, lowering the adrenaline levels,
• It stimulates the growth of new brain cells.

How to incorporate silence into your daily life?

It might seem tricky to isolate yourself from sounds from time to time, but just as many other things in life, all it requires is dedication and some practice. Here’s what you can do to bring back silence into your life and alleviate the stress that builds up during a busy day.

Meditate to relax your mind and body

Yoga can be of great help when you need some time to unwind and restore your energy.

Gaze into the distance

Get away from the screens and spend some time simply looking through the window, or visit a local park and feast your eyes on the calming nuances of green around you.

Switch your phone to silent mode

Before you go to sleep, get away from your phone for at least an hour. Turn off notification sounds and relax.

Take up a new hobby to keep you busy

Being silent doesn’t necessarily equatel to being inactive. Find a hobby that will make you truly enjoy your “auditory cleansing”.

About the Author

Alice Jones is a journalist and an assignment help specialist from San Francisco, CA, where she graduated from the University and got her Master’s degree. In her writing career, Alice was mostly concentrated on topics such as business, marketing, and freelance. If you need reliable dissertations services or any help with essay writing assignments, she is the person to call.