# Why Silence Is the Think Tank of the Soul  ## Metadata - Author: [[Gustavo Razzetti]] - Full Title: Why Silence Is the Think Tank of the Soul - Category: #articles - Source: medium - Last Highlighted: 2024-10-30 10:08:52.502779+00:00 - URL: https://medium.com/p/9a79049824ca ## Highlights - Mental noise is hurting our minds — we are continually asking questions that create busyness, not knowledge. We are in ‘reacting mode,’ leaving no room for reflection. To regain perspective in life, you need to pause. Silence is fertile ground. - Silence is not just lack of noise. It’s an empty space for your mind to recover clarity. And to protect it from mental noise - Social media notifications, Netflix binging, overthinking, constantly being surrounded by others, and overloading our calendars are just many of the infinite ways to avoid silence. We’ve turned noise into entertainment — it provides a temporary distraction so you can’t pay attention. - “there is overwhelming evidence that exposure to environmental noise has adverse effects on the health of the population.” - Silence is cultural. For the Japanese, silence is more positive than it is for other populations. - “Not too long ago it was assumed that clean water’s not important, that seeing the stars is not that important. But now it is. I think we’re realizing quiet is important, and we need silence. That silence is not a luxury, but it’s essential.” - In the Western world, silence is associated with doubt, loneliness or pain. - Silence is always ambiguous. It’s difficult to understand its true meaning. - It helps grow new brain cells. 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. - It decreases stress by lowering blood cortisol levels and adrenaline. A 2006 study in Heart, showed that two minutes of silence relieves tension in the body and brain — it’s more relaxing than listening to music. - Going for a walk outside in nature, taking a deliberate break or practicing deep breathing exercises are easy ways to get you started.