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The idea of surrounding yourself with absolute quiet might feel odd or even frightening, especially if you are accustomed to constant man-made noise. Expect that, but don’t let it deter you. And, yes, some people sit in silence for a year, but what works best for most of us is finding everyday moments of silence. Here’s how to do that.

Take 10 minutes.

Silence is important in the morning because it sets the tone for the day. Skip flipping on the news or opening the paper when you wake up. Spend the first 10 minutes of the day sitting quietly, watching the sun come up, with a steaming cup of tea.

Wash your mind.

It’s normal to have a radio on while doing chores. But try going without and spending 30 minutes in quiet as you wash dishes, dust or iron. Most of these tasks are pleasantly mindless, giving you time to be open to your intuition, that quiet inner voice that can’t be heard over noise. Don’t be surprised if solutions to nagging problems become apparent during these quiet times.

Walk in the woods.

Walking in nature is a simple way to find silence. Save your playlists for the gym, and tune in to your natural surroundings.

Greet your garden.

The benefit of gardening is twofold: it puts you in touch with nature, and it’s great solo silent time. Simply repotting some plants can bring stress levels way down.

Commute in quiet.

A silent commute, with the radio off, can be an especially beneficial way to both begin and end the workday. Silently reflect on the day’s events to renew a tired spirit and restore peace.

Switch off bells and whistles.

Cell phones, instant messaging and emails are filled with sound and stimulation. Each technology comes with an accompanying noise, most of which we don’t even notice any more. Try silencing all your tech gadgets from time to time, and spend a few hours enjoying the difference that accompanies a quieter life.

As previously posted on Better Homes & Gardens.com