Think of all the things that make noise — your appliances, your car, your co-workers. Life’s chaos and the constant noise it brings make it easy to get overwhelmed and overstressed.
Ashley Burdex, DO, family medicine physician with Methodist Family Health Center – Charlton, points out the importance of making time for quiet. “Quiet time is crucial to reset your mind to function throughout your day,” she says. “It helps calm nerves and provides clearer perspective.”
It also reduces stress and the risk of medical conditions associated with it — heart attack, obesity, stroke, and heart disease, among others.
Serious health conditions aside, you might be more irritable, angry, or frustrated or have a hard time concentrating when your quiet time tank is running low.
Meeting your quiet quota
Aim for at least 20 to 30 minutes of quiet time a day, five days a week, split into smaller blocks if necessary. This is time for you to be silent and for the setting you’re in to be silent as well.
“A space for quiet time needs positive vibes and no interruptions, clutter, or distracting colors to be most effective,” Dr. Burdex says. Once you get there, take a deep breath and think about your personal goals and plans. Many people also use this time for prayer or meditation.
Close your eyes and picture yourself …
If home isn’t your quiet space, your local place of worship or meditation center are great places to consider. If you’re looking for something a little less traditional, try visiting a library or art museum, exploring a park, or finding a cozy spot in a coffee shop. Here are some local spots you might try:
Cedar Hill State Park (Photo provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department)
• Cedar Hill State Park, 1570 W. FM 1382, Cedar Hill
Hiking, camping, and fishing are all available to help you unwind.
Oak Point Park Nature Preserve (Photo provided by City of Plano)
• Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, 5901 Los Rios Blvd., Plano
If hiking and biking aren’t your thing, try kayaking or paddleboarding to find your calm.
Prayer Mountain (Photo provided by Mountain Creek Church)
• Prayer Mountain, 5950 Eagle Ford Drive, Dallas
Mountain-biking trails and places for quiet reflection are abundant in the hilly, forested nature preserve.
• River Legacy Parks and Living Science Center, 701 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington
Wildlife, walking, and biking trails unite to soothe the weary soul.
• White Rhino Coffee, Cedar Hill | Bishop Arts | Red Oak | Waxahachie |
Grab something hot and soothing to drink while you relax.
• The Pearl Cup Coffee, Locations in Preston Hollow, Plano, and Richardson
Catch the cool vibe with a warm drink.