The Power Of Peace & Quiet

Lacking a bit of silent sanctuary time? Here’s how to create it

- Charlotte Haigh

Life can be noisy and hectic. From commuting on public transport and working in an office, to socialising, doing the chores and spending time with family, many women are constantly on the go and rarely solo. Even when we are alone, we’re usually attached to a smartphone or tablet, watching TV or listening to music on earphones. It’s very easy, these days, to avoid ever being alone with yourself, in silence, with no external stimulation, and that could mean we are missing out on some vital wellbeing benefits.

Why quiet works

A recent study from the University of Rochester, US, found having quiet time on your own calms strong emotions, both positive and negative.

“In the experiment, people sat alone for 15 minutes with no devices, and afterwards they reported a reduction in intense emotions of all kinds – both excitement and energy but also anger and anxiety,” says Bella DePaulo, a psychologist who specialises in solitude. “They felt more relaxed and more peaceful.” The advantage of that, she says, is that you become more able to reflect on feelings without reacting to them immediately. You’re likely to feel less stressed and be able to make better decisions.