In our modern world it can often seem like the volume is turned up to 11.
Whether it’s the noise of political and global conflict or the constant calls for our attention from social media and rolling news, it can feel like we need to shout simply to be heard. But silence has its benefits too.
Periods of prolonged quiet have been linked to reduced stress and brain growth, albeit in mice. Meanwhile, talking less (known as “speech fasting”) could help to make you a better listener and improve your empathy.
Speech fasting has its advocates, from the Hindu scriptures to Scottish singer and Eurovision winner Lulu.
Keep reading to find out how it could help you.
Lulu recently announced that when she’s on tour she doesn’t speak before noon
Before Lulu headed out on her final ever live tour, she spoke to the BBC’s Colin Paterson. During the interview, she revealed: “I don’t speak before 12 noon.”
More famous for ‘Shout’ than silence, Lulu added, “I can understand why you think I’m lying, but no. I’m very disciplined.”
The singer reserves this strict regime for when she’s on the road, as a way to take care of her instrument – “It allows me to sing.”
There could, though, be benefits to taking a vow of morning silence, even for those of us not embarking on an eight-date UK tour. And we don’t need to take just Lulu’s word for it.
Hindu scripture dates back around 2,500 years and includes a 700-verse poem known as the Bhagavad Gita, which refers to the Hindu philosophy of “Mauna”. This teaches adherents to find their true nature through quietening their voice and mind.
Mauna (or Silence) has its own voice and the word is used to denote peace of mind, inner quietude, and the meditative consciousness required to attain spiritual liberation, known as “Samadhi”.
The benefits of silence could be physical and mental, not just spiritual
Practicing speech fasting could improve empathy
A report in Psychology Today looks at the effects of opting for a whole day of not talking.
Students participating in the 24-hour speech fast first become aware of how much they usually talk (whether to others or themselves), before slowly becoming better listeners. A day of silence might help you emphasise with those who lack a voice, including pets and babies.
In turn, though, this could have wider benefits, helping to put yourself in other’s shoes.
Silence might help to lower your blood pressure
Healthline suggests that periods of silence could be linked to lower blood pressure. While the US National Library of Medicine has found that silence can reduce stress, by affecting the body’s production of the hormone cortisol.
Research with mice, meanwhile, suggests that absolute silence can promote greater brain cell growth than that which occurs in noisy environments.
That’s not to say that speaking less means advocating for complete silence in the world around you.
Speech fasting can encourage mindfulness
Nature can be restorative for your mental health. And while this is partly down to fresh air and exercise, being mindful in nature requires you to make use of all your senses.
The babbling of a stream, birdsong, and the rustling of leaves all form part of the experience. By not talking, though, you allow yourself the mental space to better listen to the sounds around you.
We’ve previously written about ways to incorporate nature into your daily life, so why not try combining these with your own mindful silence?
Increased mindfulness can lead to greater creativity
Mindfulness can help to clear your head and reset, reducing the noise in your brain. This, in turn, has been linked to improved concentration and focus, and increased creativity.
This is because a mindful brain is more productive and better at problem-solving, helping to unleash those creative solutions that are the key to new ideas and inspired output.
Try speech fasting for yourself, but be sure to let loved ones know beforehand
For your speech fasting to be successful, you’ll need to know your loved ones are on board. That means telling them before your speech fast begins.
Try to cut out any form of written or verbal communication, including texting and writing notes, although gesturing might prove useful, especially pointing.
You might find that generally quiet people talk more in response to your silence, while talkative types will continue to be chatty just the same. Use the time you would use trying to formulate a response to listening more to what others are saying but don’t be shy of walking away either.
Speech fasting provides the perfect opportunity to be more mindful, whether that means disappearing into nature or into your own head.
When you’re ready to talk again, you’ll have a morning (or a day) of observations and knowledge to impart.
Get in touch
Sometimes it’s good to talk. So, if you have any worries or questions about your long-term financial plans, get in touch. Email hello@globeifa.co.uk or call us on 020 8891 0711 to discuss how Globe IFA’s expert financial advisors can help you.
