Modern life is about as fast-paced as it comes. From meeting work deadlines to taking care of your household to maintaining a social and exercise routine, it can be hard to catch a minute for yourself. But, by learning the benefits of silence, slowing down, and stillness, you might just begin to prioritize them for your overall mental and physical health.
So, what are the benefits of silence and solitude, and how can you incorporate practices of stillness into your daily life to achieve them? Keep reading for our ultimate guide to the benefits of stillness and silence for improving your wellness.
The Top Mental & Physical Benefits of Stillness & Silence
It’s easy to become overstimulated, overwhelmed, and simply uncomfortable in noisy, hectic areas. You might feel a rush of stress pulse through your veins, your cheeks get flushed, your fists become clenched, or you might experience a headache from all the chaos. These types of feelings are the precursors to the science behind how stillness and silence can improve overall mental and physical health.
So, let’s learn more about the recently discovered benefits of silence and solitude that you can use to improve your health.
#1 – Silence may lower blood pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is widely coined as the “silent killer.” Ironically enough, practicing silence may actually help you reduce the condition. In 2006, a study found that participants had reduced heart rates and blood pressure after experiencing 2-minute periods of silence. To further prove this, many alternatively cite a study from 2003 in which another study found that noisy environments, actually increase heart rates and blood pressure.
#2 – Silence may stimulate brain growth
There’s no question: we could all benefit from a healthier brain, and silence may actually help you achieve just that. In 2013, a study on mice showed that after 2 hours of silence, the number of new cells found in the hippocampus region of the brain had increased. This part of the brain is directly linked to memory and feelings, which suggests that silence could also help both.
#3- Silence and stillness may improve focus, clarity, and concentration
Ever wonder why your teachers or professors don’t play music during tests? Beyond any obvious reasons, it’s been scientifically proven that silence can help improve focus, clarity, and concentration. In a small 2021 study, it was found that participants who worked in silence had a lower cognitive load and lower stress levels vs. those with noise in the background.
#4 – Silence may reduce stress hormones
The same 2021 study that showed silence may benefit focus and concentration also found that it may reduce levels of the stress hormone known as cortisol. During the study, after reviewing participants who sat in silence vs. those who sat with background noise, the researchers found those in the quiet likely had reduced cortisol levels due to blood pressure measurements and circulation to the brain.
Aside from the benefits of silence and stillness, solitude can improve your overall mindfulness and self-awareness, as well as help you sleep better due to less stress and improved moods.
Tips for Achieving Silence & Stillness
Ready to take advantage of these health benefits of silence and stillness? Then use the following tips to incorporate the practices into your daily routines.
- Practice daily meditation or yoga.
- Set a daily calendar reminder to remind yourself to slow down or take a break.
- Ditch your phone, newspaper, or TV in the morning, and enjoy your breakfast in peace.
- Take a walk or run without your headphones.
- Make a comfortable space in your home or office where you can sit for a few moments of silence and solitude.
- Focus on your breath as you sit in silence to avoid distractions.
- Use hemp-derived CBD to naturally calm anxiety and stress.
The Final Word: The Benefits of Stillness
When it comes to wellness, the more you know, the more you can use alternative methods for feeling your best. Now that you know more about the benefits of stillness and silence, you can use these tips in your daily life to achieve the best balance for your body and mind.
Stay tuned to PurePower for more education on how to ignite your inner fire more naturally and effectively. Before you go, shop our collection of pristine hemp and performance herbal blends that’ll help you optimize your health, from the inside out.
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