Discover the Unexpected Advantages of Speech Fasting: Unveiling the Effects of Staying Silent until Midday
This is sure to get people talking. Scottish singer Lulu recently revealed her secret to maintaining her vocal cords and it’s not what you would expect. Lulu practices “speech fasting,” which means staying completely silent until midday. In an interview with The Guardian, the 75-year-old crooner explained that this practice helps take care of her instrument and allows her to sing.
While speech fasting may seem unconventional, The Guardian claims that it has a multitude of benefits that go beyond improving performance. A 2005 study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that periods of silence led to dramatically lowered blood pressure for participants who practiced speech fasting. Another study from 2021, also featured on NIH, discovered that speech fasting helped reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.
Psychologist Dr. Robert N. Kraft supports the idea that engaging in prolonged periods of silence can make a person a better listener. By quieting the voice, individuals can become more attuned to the background of stillness, according to Hindu philosophy’s practice of mauna.
However, there are downsides to speech fasting as well. Research published in 2022 reveals that those who talk less are often perceived as less likable, despite claims that silence improves listening skills. Additionally, it may be impractical for many people to remain silent every morning. Nevertheless, there may still be benefits to partaking in speech fasting on an infrequent basis.
It is important to note that speech fasting is not a new-age fad for the famous. The Guardian explains that it has been practiced under various names in various cultures for centuries. Hindu philosophy’s mauna teaches the value of silence in acknowledging the background of stillness that is our true nature.
In conclusion, speech fasting may seem unusual, but it offers numerous benefits. From reduced blood pressure to lower stress hormone levels, silence has a profound impact on our well-being. While it may not be practical or desirable to remain silent every morning, incorporating periods of speech fasting on occasion can still be advantageous. So, the next time you find yourself needing a vocal break, consider the unexpected advantages of staying silent until midday.
