Silence means “losing yourself in your own thoughts”. However, this has become a rare condition in many people’s lives. In the office there is a rush, phones ringing and in the evening you take care of the screaming children. Even at home, one hears too often the noise of the outside or the sounding of TV in the living room. There is almost never rest. When was the last time you spent a few minutes or even hours in complete silence – alone, without doing some tasks or digital entertainment? Even in their free time, most people no longer endure the silence. It is actually important in many ways.

Why people avoid the silence?

Silence used to be the norm, but noise was an exception. At night and sometimes during the day, there was absolute peace. From time to time one heard a bird sing or a thunder storm or the peaceful silence of nature. Nowadays, that is exactly the opposite. Most people are really stressed by the constant noise level. The sufferers do not notice this anymore – they have become accustomed to the noise and the stress. The sad thing is that many people consciously avoid silence. But why is that?

Quite simply: noise is distraction and you cannot think. Because if they came to think, many people would realise that they are actually anything but happy with their lives, that their needs defer, desires and values or to feel completely lost. All these unpleasant feelings and thoughts can be displaced by constant occupation or constant noise. So, noise is a welcome distraction from deepening in oneself.

Why is silence so important?

Silence means holiday for the brain and thus also for your stress-plagued body. Only by taking regular breaks you can recharge your resources and find your way back to yourself. Fortunately, thanks to trends such as yoga or meditation, the meaning of silence is currently returning to the focus of western society, where it has long been forgotten. There is nothing wrong with that. But silence should become an integral part of your life and not just a unique change from the usual fun.

Silence has a positive effect on the brain

The brain “grows” in silence not only metaphorically, as more brain areas are released. Researchers were able to identify in 2013 as part of their study “Is silence golden? To find out that with daily silence, new cells grow in the brain region of the hippocampus – that is, in the area that is responsible for the “hippocampal neurogenesis” effects of auditory stimuli and their absence on adult hippocampal neurogenesis memory and the ability to learn is responsible.

Why silence is important to the brain:

1. Silence reduces the stress hormones
2. Silence promotes physical health
3. Silence allows self-reflection
4. Silence increases the comprehension
5. Silence promotes concentration
6. Silence makes the brain grow
7. Silence makes you creative

Tips for more silence in everyday life

Ignoring your body’s alarms will sooner or later have health consequences. So, you have good reasons to include more breaks in your everyday life. Here are some tips:

1. Schedule the silence in your appointment planner! Especially stressed people, who rush from one appointment to another, should plan fixed time rests. The silence should be part of your daily routine. Check every day, when you have time for ten, 15- or 30-minutes, rest and schedule this appointment in your calendar.

2. Turn off electronic devices! Even less drastic measures can help you reduce the noise level in your everyday life – for example, the “off” button on your electronic devices. Switch off your smartphone, computer and TV in the evening and read a book instead or gather your thoughts while lying down.

3. Set up a rest room! If you have enough space in your home or apartment, set up a rest room. Leave the telephone, TV outside, close the door behind you and set a clear rule with your family members that you must not be disturbed in the rest room.

4. Meditate! In this quiet room, you can meditate regularly. Just five to ten minutes a day can be enough to feel the positive effects of silence and meditation in everyday life.

5. Live uncoordinated! If you prefer to get up early or late in the morning and your job allows for that, you’re still living acyclic. The more you live against the rhythm of society, the quieter your everyday life becomes. Unfortunately, but also more complicated! An acyclic life rhythm should therefore be well balanced and well thought out.

6. Buy earplugs! This simple trick is especially effective at night. Ear plugs can help to block out disturbing noises, such as snoring, and instead find restful sleep. So, you can optimally recharge your resources and start fresh in the new day.

7. Relax on vacation! Lastly, you should of course also come to rest on holiday. You do not necessarily have to go to the Ballermann in Mallorca or to New York to spend your free time there. How about a quiet stretch on beach, a cabin in the mountains or just a spa hotel with a relaxation room and relaxation massages?

At some point, you will get used to the new silence in your life and then probably notice how annoying the constant noise is.

What tip do you have for more peace in everyday life? Do you have a relaxing holiday destination to recommend? What positive effects has the silence brought you? We look forward to your contributions to the topic in the comment box bellow!

Silence for a healthy brain- What happens when calm returns