Be Still: Canceling out noise for something better.

As I coach and consult with people all over this country, I hear a common thread. This world is loud and noisy. It is difficult to find any stillness. As busy as our lives are, it is difficult to even find time to go somewhere quiet with no distractions. And then, you ask, where would I have no distractions? Well, you might just take time for a hike in the woods. But I did that today and guess what I saw? People walking and hiking with their ear buds in or staring at their phone. Are they really away from the noise and distraction? Or did they bring their distractions with them?

You could visit the anechoic chamber at Orfield Laboratories in Minnesota. This chamber, located in Minneapolis, MN is infamous for being one of the quietest spaces in the world. It is called the anechoic chamber for its lack of an echo. It is designed to be so silent that background noise is measured in negative decibels below the threshold of human hearing. It is so quiet you can hear your own blood pumping in your head. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a room that quiet to retreat to every day? A quiet place to go to without distractions.

Quiet time is more than just taking a break; it is a powerful mental health tool. Here is why it matters. It reduces stress and overstimulation. Modern business life bombards us with noise, notifications, conversations, media and responsibilities. Quiet time gives the brain a chance to downshift from constant stimulation, lowering cortisol levels and easing stress. It also allows us to do some emotional regulation. Stepping away from the noise and activity allows us to notice how we are feeling. This awareness helps us to process emotions more calmly, rather than reacting impulsively. Reacting impulsively is one of the most destructive behaviors that I see in organizations today.

Quiet time enhances our focus and creativity. Both focus and creativity are becoming the difference maker in this AI environment. When the mind is not crowded with external input, mental clarity improves. In fact, research shows that people often find their best ideas or solutions emerge during periods of stillness.

It has also been shown that our brain needs idle time just like our bodies need sleep. Quiet moments allow neural networks to reset, improving cognitive performance and reducing burnout. Quiet time (even just a few minutes) can make mindfulness practices—like meditation, breathing exercises or journaling more accessible. And these practices have been shown to strengthen resilience and reduce anxiety. Silence can act like a recharge. Even brief moments away from noise can increase patience, motivation and overall mental stamina.

So, how do we incorporate more quiet time? Here are a few suggestions:

• Take 5 to 10 minutes in the morning and evening without screens or tasks.

• Walk without headphones.

• Sit outside and focus on natural sounds.

• Try mindful breathing or meditation.

• Set screen free periods during your day.

But additionally, try prayer. Scripture says, “Be still and know that I am God.” I have found that as we do this, God will enable us to encircle our problems. When we pray, there are intervals of silence and reverent stillness of the soul. And scripture also teaches us that as we do this, powerful things happen. It says that “by faith in God, the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.”

Can you imagine what it was like for Joshua and the people of Israel to march around the walls of Jerico for seven days in utter silence? But God was teaching them, and being alone with God in the quiet is important. It can be a reasonable facsimile of the anechoic chamber to just be still and know that He is God.

When we pause, breathe and trust in God fully, He reminds us that we are never alone and never without direction. In the stillness, He speaks and in the quiet He strengthens.