Silence Is The New Wellness

Noise is omnipresent in the present day world. From car horns honking, to doomscrolling through reels or white noise to sleep, or podcasts on your run, we are always listening to something. With 1.1 billion of us subscribed to some music streaming service and podcast streams doubling in the last six years, our lives are filled with sound. Audiobook sales have soared by 94%, making constant auditory stimulation a way of life—almost like an addiction.

But amidst this perpetual buzz, a critical question arises: Are we overdoing it? Is it time to embrace a moment of silence?

The Toll of Constant Noise

Research reveals that while sound is good, too much of it (loud noise in particular) can be dangerous. We already know that noise leads to elevated heart rates, increased blood pressure, and a surge of stress hormones. It hampers concentration and raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases and even depression. So, what's the solution? The answer might lie in embracing silence.

The Power of Quiet

Now, it seems that silence could be the new wellness craze. According to multiple experts, we need moments of quiet built into our lifestyles. Instead, try to at least eat one meal in silence and ideally it should be breakfast. Which does not mean to eat on your own, but without any mobile and 100% at the side of you. The "crunch effect" suggests that you eat less when the sound of chewing is very clear to yourself, turning silence into a form of mindful eating.

If quiet meals aren’t your thing, there are other ways to embrace silence. Take silent walks, a new favourite trend on TikTok. It's as simple as it sounds: walk without headphones, no music, no podcasts, just focus on your surroundings and let your mind be in the present. It's a form of meditation, but you're on the move.

Then there's Silent Travel—an emerging trend where people seek peace and quiet through meditation retreats, digital detox cabins, or camping in remote locations. The idea is simple: disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself. Silent travel has been named one of the top travel trends of 2024, and it's easy to see why. After all, enduring a crying baby on a plane can make silence seem like a precious commodity.

Historical Re-orientation on Silence

Silence isn’t just a modern wellness hack; it has been cherished for centuries. In Christianity, it's a form of devotion; in Hinduism, it's a practice of awareness called "maun." Buddhism considers silence as Noble, a path to inner peace. Socrates emphasized listening before speaking, and in many cultures, silence holds significant meaning. In Asian traditions, silence is a form of respect, while in Nordic countries, it signifies careful thought.

Balancing Sound and Silence

Psychologically, silence is powerful. It fosters self-awareness, helps regulate emotions, and can even serve as a form of communication. Sometimes, silence conveys more than words ever could. However, it’s important to note that silence isn’t always positive—it can be seen as passive-aggressive, a barrier to communication, or even manipulative. Too much silence can also impact mental health.

But it comes down to the balance, really. You also don't need to wait for trends or spend on expensive retreats. It could be as basic as catching a few calm seconds in-between your work. 

In a world overrun by words, sometimes saying absolutely nothing can be a fine art. So maybe, just maybe, we can start with silence.