Our world has become busier than ever, full of busy people with busy lives and whilst technology has been an amazing advancement for humanity it also is a scourge in that we are constantly contactable and there is always some noise coming from some screen nearby! It’s hard to hear our own thoughts at times. How can we relax or know what we are thinking unless we have silence to pay attention and listen to our thoughts?
I often talk about relaxation and explain that relaxation is not lying on the sofa in front of the tv with a glass of wine – sorry! Relaxation is really helped by spending time alone, with our thoughts, in silence.
ALONE IN SILENCE beause silence is golden.
We live in a world where any time spent alone is usually filled with noise and distractions. When we go for a walk or a drive, we invariably listen to music or to the latest podcast. We sit at home and have the radio, tv or some screen at hand.
Spending time in silence is something I encourage because it can reduce tension in both brain and body in mere minutes.
Silence is healthy and can boost the body’s immune system, decrease stress, encourage brain cell growth, reduce blood pressure and improve sleep. And that’s not all!
Time in silence, alone with our thoughts allows our brains an opportunity to examine our thoughts rather than constantly distracting ourselves from them. When we are in silence, we often day dream or run through events. This allows for an opportunity to become more creative and to self-reflect.
We can easily create opportunities to be in silence and only a few minutes every day is beneficial. For example, sitting in silence in our car or going for a walk outside in nature without any device (i.e. no mobile phone or screen).
Nature is therapeutic and that, coupled with being alone, can be very healthy.
Being in the house without screens or noise might be aspirational particularly if the house is very busy. Perhaps try getting up earlier than the others so you have your few minutes of silence before the house wakes.
Driving whilst concentrating on your breath or on the surrounding scenery can be helpful.
Allowing quiet time every day can lead to feeling calmer and more in control of thoughts.
Learning how to deep breathe can help. Meditation also offers an opportunity to switch off from all the stresses and strains that we put our minds under.
Set yourself the goal of taking some minutes every day to be with your thoughts, to sit and breathe and be calm. You’ll be glad that you did.
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