Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Finding the right motivation
• Method 2 of 4: Inform others about your silence
• Method 3 of 4: Reflect and distract yourself
• Method 4 of 4: Communicate in other ways
• Tips
• Warnings

A vow of silence, even a temporary one, is quite an obligation that you place on yourself. No matter what your reason, being silent all day can be both beneficial and challenging. If you take a vow of silence, make sure you are motivated for it, inform others, think, distract yourself, and find different ways to communicate with the world around you to get through the day successfully.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Finding the right motivation

1. Learn to get used to silence. If the silence bothers you, it will be impossible to remain silent for a whole day. Silence is not only not speaking, it can also be perceived in other ways - such as not listening to music. Try to integrate the silence into your life, whether it's turning off your music for five minutes, or meditating for five minutes without anyone around. Look for ways to sit comfortably in the silence and be still. And if you feel comfortable with it, you may be able to enjoy it.
2. Shut up to support a movement. Often times, a group of people will work to remain silent for a day in an effort to stand up for those who have been "silenced" in some way, such as through domestic violence. If you choose to remain silent to help or support someone else, you can feel more motivated to keep it up all day.
   • For example, the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network) has instituted a day of silence in response to anti-LGBTQ bullying, which has "silenced" many in the LGBTQ community.
3. Stop talking and learn to listen. You will often find yourself saying what is on your mind before listening to what others have to say. There are many benefits to the habit of listening first. It gives you the upper hand in an argument, makes you more able to develop sympathy for others and a lot more. Try to be silent for a whole day to get better at listening before speaking.
4. Stay still to learn to think. If you have a problem, it is good to think in silence before acting. That way you can fully assess the situation and then take an intelligent, useful step. If you find yourself making illogical or hasty decisions, staying silent for a day can help you think better about things.
5. Commit to silence to feel calmer. Being silent for a period of time can help you feel calm and clear. If you find yourself easily overwhelmed, aggravated, and / or anxious, arrange a day of silence with yourself for a more peaceful state of mind.

Method 2 of 4: Inform others about your silence

1. Inform those with whom you regularly communicate in advance. Tell your friends, family, teachers and / or colleagues about your quiet day a few days in advance. This will prevent confusion on their part or frustration on your part, and should make things easier for you as well.
2. Ask your teachers and / or boss for permission in advance. Your vow of silence can interfere with your ability to participate in class or do your job well. Talk to your teachers and / or supervisors about your vow of silence beforehand and ask if they are okay with it. Try to come up with a strategy to make sure you are still a productive student and / or employee that day.
   • Take your vow of silence seriously reconsider if your teacher or boss disagrees with you. Finding a new way to support a cause or to calm down is less bad than losing your job or days at school or missing work.
3. Hand out flyers or hang up posters. If you are silent to support a cause, it is a good idea to spread awareness beforehand. Post posters and / or hand out flyers at your school or workplace with the date, purpose and explanation of the reason for the silence.
4. Wear clothes to support your chosen cause. You can also buy and wear informational merchandise on the day you shut up, such as T-shirts, stickers, buttons, and more. This should help people understand why you don't want to speak.

Method 3 of 4: Reflect and distract yourself

1. Practice silent meditation. Meditation is a productive activity you can do while you are still. While not all types of meditation are silent, many are. Silent meditation techniques can help you think about yourself, clear your mind, and pass the time.
   • Try to breathe in and out slowly and deeply. Close your eyes and focus only on the air entering and leaving your lungs.
   • Sit cross-legged with your eyes closed and visualize an empty bowl on the floor in front of you. When a thought comes to your mind, put it in the bowl, empty the bowl, and put it back in front of you.
2. Write in a journal. If silence makes you feel like you can't express yourself enough, consider jotting down your thoughts in a journal. In addition to being able to express yourself, this can help you become more self-aware and stick to your assignment.
   • Be alert to your urge to break the silence. When you have trouble keeping quiet, write that moment in your journal and think about why you felt compelled to speak. This can help you learn a lot about yourself.
3. Read a book. Reading may give you something to think about in addition to your own thoughts. If you feel like you can't get through the day without speaking, grab one of your favorite novels and read a few chapters to change your frame of mind.
4. Listen to music. If you really like music, listening to music can also distract you from your own silence. Put on headphones and play some of your favorite songs so you're less likely to speak.

Method 4 of 4: Communicate in other ways

1. Carry a notepad and pen with you. Keep a pen and a stack of sticky notes or a small notebook with you when you are quiet all day. This allows you to quickly write down your coffee order in the cafe or show a reminder of your vow of silence to your teacher. This will make minimal, simple communication less complicated.
2. Text or message others online. Send emails or use social media to discuss things with friends, family members, teachers or colleagues. This is an easy way to communicate complex and / or extensive information to others while you don't want to speak.
3. Use sign language. If you are good at acting or charades, then you can also convey your point to someone using gestures. You can actually communicate a lot just by using certain facial expressions.
   • For example, use the thumbs up as "yes" and the thumbs down as "no" throughout the day.
   • Try to come up with hand gestures for basic things you need throughout the day, such as asking to use the toilet. Discuss these hand gestures with your teachers and / or your boss beforehand so that there is no confusion on the day you are silent.
4. Communicate with open or closed body language. People communicate more with their body language than with their words. When you are silent, focus on displaying open or closed body language to tell people whether or not you want them around you.
   • If a friend is sitting next to you in class, make eye contact with them and smile to show you are happy they sat there.
   • If someone is bothering you and trying to get you to talk, fold your arms and don't look at the person to show that you are not interested.

Tips

• Write the word "quiet" on your hand and then put your hand over your mouth when someone is talking to you.
• Write on a card that you have taken a vow of silence and show it to people when they ask you questions.

Warnings

• You may have to break your vow of silence if circumstances call for it or if there is an emergency. No vow of silence is worth keeping at the expense of your own well-being or that of others.
• If you fail to notify others that you have planned this day of silence, they may be offended by your refusal to speak. It is important to let others know that you are not ignoring them.