This article originally appeared on Yoganonymous.com

Did you know that silence is beneficial for your brain and bodily health?

According to this article published by NY Mag, excessive noise doesn't just harm your eardrums, it harms your overall health. 

"Much has been written about “noise pollution,” a phrase coined in the 1960s, when scientists discovered that everyday exposure to the loudness of highways and airports was linked with a variety of health concerns: heart disease, sleep problems, high blood pressure, and, least surprisingly, hearing loss."

So what's a gal to do? Immerse yourself in the absence of sound as much as possible. This means taking some time in nature, if you live in a noisy city—or even opting for some nice ear plugs while you sleep. 

According to a study conducted by Duke University, "two hours of silence per day prompted cell development in the hippocampus, the brain region related to the formation of memory involving the senses." 

Need help carving out two hours of your day? Opt for one hour right when you wake up, and then another hour of silence right before sleep. It's an easy way to get in your daily dose of silence, while preparing you for the trials and tribulations of your day and night.