National Quiet Day (UK)
Observed
annually on September 14th (2016 and 2017)
the second Wednesday in September (since 2018)
Dates
Founded by
Whirlpool in 2016
Hashtags
Sources
Whirlpool, the makers of quiet washing machines, dishwashers, and fridge freezers, introduced National Quiet Day because "the benefits of quiet come in many forms, from lowering stress levels to unleashing creativity, enhancing your senses of the world around you." For this day they suggest, "take a moment for yourself and enjoy a little sanctuary in silence," and "let a little serenity into your life, if only for a moment." Whirlpool has come up with ideas for how those celebrating can reach these quiet moments and have organized contests for participants to win quiet Whirlpool washing machines.
There are many negative ways that noise impacts people. Low-level chronic noise leads to an increased risk of ulcers, high blood pressure, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Even a ringing cell phone can increase blood pressure. Noisy environments can impact short-term memory, and make it harder to concentrate. If gadgets such as phones and televisions are constantly on, it is harder to reflect on and process prior experiences to make them more meaningful. When removing surrounding environmental noise, one is able to quiet the mind and lower stress, blood pressure, and heart rate. Their immune system may function better, and their mind can better focus and be more creative. Some of these benefits can be yours on National Quiet Day!
How to Observe National Quiet Day (UK)
Some ways to take part include:
- Try out some of Whirlpool's suggestions of ways to find daily quiet moments.
- Enter to win a quiet washing machine from Whirlpool.
- Take or plan to take a Quiet Day retreat—these are one-day retreats where you are left alone to read, walk, and reflect.
- Breathe deeply—become conscious of your own breath while inhaling and exhaling for five minutes.
- Meditate.
- Use your work's "quiet room" if they have one.
- Take a walk in nature early in the morning or in the calm of the evening before going to bed.
- Try driving your vehicle without having the radio on during your commute.
- Make rules for times when you won't look at your phone at all.
- Turn off alerts on your devices so you aren't constantly distracted by them.
- Get some noise-canceling headphones.