The Creative Benefits of Silence
I want to share some thoughts on something I'm in a constant push/pull relationship with: SILENCE.
My new year’s resolution for 2019 was to NOT put in headphones and listen to podcasts whenever I left the house, but instead to open my ears to the city.
At first, it was very disconcerting. I realised I’d been using the podcasts as a crutch. I was lonely, and having people talking in my ears was a band-aid solution.
But I stuck with the silence and what happened was remarkable.
I started having thoughts and ideas. (!?!?)
I discovered my effort to block out the noise of the city and keep loneliness at bay had also made it near impossible to for me to “hear myself think”. Long walks or even short jaunts to the tube station became a time when I’d get ideas for my creative work and my teaching.
AND (a bonus!) navigating the busy city became much less stressful. I was calmer. The city became less chaotic and more something I felt able to be in harmony with.
Since 2020 began, I haven’t been as strict about it – especially now that I’m self-isolating alone and want to fill up with other voices.
But when I pry the earphone from my desperate ears and leave them at home, my government sanctioned walks become inspiring. I often sort out things I’m snagged on in my book while wandering with free ears.
Silence (or, okay, removing the noise from your earphones) is like eating your vegetables. It’s annoying but you feel rejuvenated afterwards.
Whether you’re bunkered in with others and keen to block them out, or like me, yearning to fill the void, I think looking at silence as something with creative value might not be a bad idea as continue with periods of isolation.
Or, let's put it this way, it might be of value to carve out an hour or two of silence. (Moderation of course.)
Join me in taking your government sanctioned walks solo and in silence for a week, and let me know how it feels.
Or if that’s not possible, experiment with cooking, writing, replying to emails, etc. without “filler noise”. I’m curious to know how you find it.
I did a little research on the benefits of silence. See below for quotations and links.
Some Quick Research on the Benefits of SILENCE
Silence is good for the creative process. "Daydreaming and boredom seem to be a source for incubation and creative discovery in the brain." (source)
Silence benefits your brain chemistry. “A 2013 study found that two hours of silence could create new cells in the hippocampus region, a brain area linked to learning, remembering, and emotions.” (source)
Silence calms for your nervous system. “Noise affects our stress levels by raising cortisol and adrenaline. A study in the journal Heart in 2006 found that silence can relieve tension in just two minutes.” (source)
Silence helps with insomnia. “Periods of silence throughout the day enhance sleep and lessen insomnia.” (source)