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Blessed Quiet


by Cathy Lewis A Noisy World


From the pervasive hum of highway traffic to the discordant drone of office ma- chines and household appliances, our days are rarely still. Television and radio chat- ter fill endless hours, cell phone conversations assault us on every side, and the end of the day finds us tense and weary. Little wonder. Studies by leading health organi- zations and research universities demonstrate the close relationship of exposure to unwanted noise with increased levels of stress and related health issues. For example, a study conducted near London’s Heathrow Airport showed an association of regular exposure to environmental noise with mental health prob- lems and individuals’ increased production of the stress hormone, cortisol. Other medical studies have linked exposure to noise with psychological distress, gastro- intestinal problems and cardiovascular conditions. Even low-level sounds have been connected with problems ranging from increased aggression to poor sleep.


A Restful Answer


Janet Luhrs, a pioneer of the Simplicity Movement, suggests five ways to institute daily moments of silence to counter these effects. “In realizing more blessed quiet, you’ll not only feel better,” she advises, “you’ll also be healthier.”


Start the day with silence. Before rushing headlong into another day, do something relaxing for at least 12 min- utes upon waking. Stretch, read an inspi- rational message or meditate. Hormone levels are highest when we first arise. Most people have coffee and turn on the news. That’s the worst thing we can do.


Eat at a table, without TV or reading. Mindful eating helps us enjoy food more and prevents overeat- ing, because we are more attuned to our body’s signals of satisfaction. Plus, it allows us to metabolize food more efficiently.


Drive in silence. The car is a fine place to get in touch with our thoughts and be with our self. Silence rejuve- nates us.


Create a silence retreat at home. Set aside an evening at home with no talking. Switch the phone ringer off and don’t answer it; turn off the TV. Don’t


run needless appliances. A coopera- tive family can do this together, or trade nights with a partner willing to take the kids out to dinner and for fun around town.


Practice silent exercise. When exer- cising, work out without an iPod, video or other media. If possible, exercise outdoors. Silence helps us pay attention to everything our body is doing—our breathing, muscles and posture. Silence helps us heed the healthy signals our body sends—perhaps to slow down, go faster or straighten up.


Luhrs is the international bestselling author of The Simple Living Guide and Simple Loving, as well as the Simple Living newsletter and SimpleLiving.com.


Study Sources: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology; Journal of Clini- cal and Hospital Pharmacy; Social and Preventive Medicine.


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natural awakenings February 2011 19


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