Being in Silence—7 Benefits to Unplugging and Getting Quiet

There is much talk today about mindfulness and meditation has made its way into many workplaces and even into schools. Today we experience more stimulation from our outside environments than ever before. We have more noise and we are more accessible than ever before. More demands are placed on us in our busy lives. I'm often told by clients that they don't have time to meditate or to relax. One thing I like to help them with the idea that it doesn't take a lot of time to really recharge and relax. Even 10 minutes a day putting away the cell phone, turning off the television and computer and allowing your body and your mind to get still and quiet can have amazing benefits to your well-being—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I have found great relief in the silence.

To practice silence, find a place where you can be undisturbed and comfortable. Sit with your back supported in a relaxed position or lie down and focus on your breath. Bask in the silence and the rhythm of your breath.

Here are seven benefits to being in silence for 10 minutes a day:

1. Revitalize and Refresh your Mind – Your mind needs time away from the demands of the outside world. Being constantly on the go does not allow us to process our lives. By taking time to get silent and quiet yourself you allow your mind to relax and integrate all this happened during your day. The noise of life creates stress. 10 minutes of meditation gives our brains the break it needs to fully de-stress. The mind actually does more recharging during silence than it does during sleep.

2. Quiet the Noise Within Yourself –Just as we have demands from the outside, we also have constant chatter with in our own minds. Most of that chatter is negative. Meditation offers us an opportunity to silence the inner critic. Notice as you sit down to get quiet what pops up for you in your mind. Just notice the thought without judgment. You might say, “Hmmmm” and then go back to focus on your breathing.

3. Inner Peace – Aren't we all looking for that? Sitting in silence allows peace to enter our bodies, our minds and our emotions. I sometimes repeat the word peace to myself as my mantra. Allow a feeling of peace to wash over you.

4. Better Learning and Creativity – The April 10 issue of the Washington Post Magazine had an article that supports this idea. Research shows that the resting brain sorts through and saves recently acquired information and deepens cognitive connections. Many college classrooms are now including moments of silence in each class session. By silently focusing on a graph or a text or painting students understand the material at a deeper level and retain their understanding. An added benefit is that it allows students time to de-stress from all the demands placed upon them.

5. A More Balanced Outlook on Life – When you take even 10 minutes a day to be in the silence to relax your life attains more order and you find yourself with more compassion and a broader perspective. You begin to understand what's really important in your life.

6. Self Perception – Each of us has all of the answers we need within us. Quieting the mind and body allows you to access answers you didn't know you had. It affords you the opportunity to come into alignment with your true self – your Divine Self. This allows your entire life to work better.

7. Health Benefits – Sitting in silence and relaxing boosts your immune system so that you can fight off disease more easily. Silence also boosts your brain chemistry and makes you look and feel younger. It adds energy and reduces stress.

Add 10 minutes of silence to your day and see what benefits you notice. I'd love to hear about your experiences! Leave me a comment below.