Creating Space for The Sound of Silence

Basking in stillness, even before a pandemic, is not a skill-set many individuals have. In Western society, sound from hosting parties, having gatherings, electronic beeping, blaring of traffic horns, and additional noise population have become the background of our daily lives. We slowly forget the tranquil experience of shutting out the world and its sounds.

Noise pollution is any unwanted or disturbing sounds that have the result of adversely affecting our health and mental wellbeing. The effects of chronic noise pollution include stress, memory impairments, inability to sustain attention, and difficulty with reading/writing comprehension. The most common health problem that is a direct result of noise pollution is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, which is damage to the tiny hair cells of our ears.

Though we all need quietness, creating a quiet space in a home can be challenging, given the best of times. During a pandemic, however, families find themselves on top of one another, unable to experience the sound of silence. A recent poll during 2020 found that 75% of students were unable to access quiet study spaces within their homes. As the pandemic continued, families were forced to adapt and navigate these new times. Some individuals resulted in pandemic home remodeling. Yet, the goal of creating a space that was affirming to quietness wasn’t on the list.

Guidance Teletherapy was asked by Redfin, one of the top real estate listing websites, to discuss and provide some practical home adjustment tips for individuals wanting to create a quiet space in their homes. We focused on sharing the importance of communication to set a boundary. We shared the importance of object choice and placement to signal alone time. Experts in soundproofing and design also provided additional insight for the article.

Active Tips for Creating Quiet Spaces:

• Introverts: Individuals who identify themselves as introverts, seeking solitude to recharge their emotional batteries, will feel most comfortable in a space that has furniture situated in nooks, instead of the perimeter of the room.

• Extroverts: Individuals who identify themselves as extroverts, who’re energized by socializing, will feel most comfortable in a space that isn't overly sparse or empty when learning to experience the peace of solitude. Extroverts would want a space that has objects meant to be engaged with, like puzzles or a deck of cards.

• Softness: Hard surfaces reflect sound waves which can cause even the tiniest sound to reverberate and become obnoxious. Some of the best soundproofings may include soft furniture that absorbs sound. Fill the room with clothes, textiles, rugs, and other soft objects to help drown out the noise.

• Signs: Something individuals working from home have discovered is the importance of signage. Putting a sign on the bedroom door or office that requests quietness, when needed, is a transparent way to communicate needs to the household.

Tips to Protect From Noise Pollution:

• Earbuds: Wearing noise-canceling earbuds and headphones can certainly help drown out the noise. Prolonged wear, however, causes our ears to be sensitive to sounds we normally wouldn’t notice. Therefore, if wearing these to block out sounds of the household, ensure that you’ve created time to transition back to hearing sounds in general. When putting the headphones on, pick a few constant sounds that you know will be in place when you wear them. Then look for those sounds when you take them off. Creating this routined transition prepares your mind and ears to be ready to hear sounds amplified again.

• Mindfulness: Practicing the skill of mindfulness is an intentional act that must be practiced. It can be an act that is taught and practiced with young family members, as well. In Episode 11 of the Happiest Pod on Earth, our Clinical Director Ariel Landrum shares how she uses Disney+’s Zenimation to teach young children how to practice mindfulness.

• Equipment: There are plenty of objects in our household that buzz, beep, or pop, that we do not need to listen to. Computers can be shut down, instead of running on sleep. Coffee makers can be unplugged. Mobile devices can be put on fully silent, even removing the vibration option. When not needing to engage with these objects, turning them off or unplugging them will reduce unwanted noise. For some items, it also has the added effect of reducing electricity use, as these devices may be energy vampires.

• Nature: Any time we can runaway to nature, we are immediately reducing noise pollution. Find time to go camping, go on a walk in a local park, or visit a National Park for a day. These escapes allow our body to reset from the consent discomfort brought on by the onslaught of loud or irritating noises.

• Communication: Surprisingly, one of the best combatants of noise pollution, in the household, is communication. Setting boundaries with housemates and family members around times when quiet is needed, and what that looks like, can create moments of expected reprieve. It’s important to define what quietness looks like, as again, most people aren’t used to thinking about silence as rejuvinating. Maybe it’s turning off TVs, maybe it takes activities away from a sacred quiet space, maybe it’s closing doors for everyone to engage in individual activities. Opening up to one another around expectations of quiet time will make it easier for everyone to accomplish.

Hopefully, some of these tips will help those seeking ways to incorporate serenity from solitude into their households.

How do you create a quiet space in your home? Let us know in the comments section below!

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