If you’ve ever wanted to politely ask the world to use its inside voice, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re exactly the kind of person this post is for.

Where All the Noise Comes From (Spoiler: It’s Everywhere)

Let’s take inventory of the modern noise-makers. Some are obvious. Others sneak up on you like a ninja in sneakers:

• News apps: “BREAKING: Something mildly inconvenient happened 3,000 miles away. Be alarmed now.”

• Group texts: You muted it. Somehow it still finds you.

• Social media: Where everyone’s an expert and your Aunt Carol is suddenly a political analyst.

• Your thoughts at 3 a.m.: “Remember that thing you said in 1998? Let’s replay it on a loop.”

• Your phone: Buzzing like a wasp with caffeine.

• Customer service hold music: Not technically yelling, but mentally… it’s aggressive.

It’s a lot. And it’s exhausting. So let’s talk about how to turn down the volume without having to move to a cabin in the woods (unless that’s your thing—in which case, I support you and your flannel shirts).

How to Turn Down the Noise (Without Joining a Monastery)

Let’s get practical. Here are a few fun, easy, and totally doable ways to help you keep your cool while the world yells around you.

🧘‍♂️ 1. The Power of the “Strategic Ignore”

Not everything needs your attention. Seriously. You don’t have to argue with that guy online who thinks the moon landing was filmed on a soundstage.
Let it go. Use your ignore muscle. It’s underdeveloped in most of us.

📱 2. Unsubscribe Like a Boss

How many “limited-time offers” from that one store you bought socks from in 2014 do you really need?
Clean up your inbox. Turn off app notifications. Reclaim your peace.

🎧 3. Curate Your Noise

If you’re going to let something into your ears, make it good. Try:

• Lo-fi beats

• Nature sounds

• Podcasts with soothing voices that don’t sound like they’re trying to sell you vitamins

🐱 4. Cat Video Therapy

This is science. Or… it should be. Watching a kitten chase a laser pointer is proven to reduce stress (in my completely unofficial study of one).
Give your brain a break. Ten minutes of silly might just be the reset you need.

📵 5. Designate “No Noise” Time

Try 15–30 minutes a day with no phone, no news, no talking.
Just breathe. Or stare at a wall. Or sip coffee slowly while pretending you’re the main character in a peaceful indie movie.

It’s OK to Be Quiet in a Loud World

Here’s the truth: The world’s probably not going to get quieter anytime soon.
But you can.
You can create your own pockets of peace. You can choose when to engage and when to step back. You can learn to hear yourself again.

And maybe that’s the point of it all.
Not to silence the world, but to stop letting it drown out your own voice.

So the next time everything feels too loud—take a deep breath.
Turn down the volume.
And remember: You get to control your own noise level.

Even if the guy with the leaf blower doesn’t.

Let’s Chat (Quietly)

What’s your go-to trick to cut through the noise?
Drop it in the comments—unless it involves yelling. In that case, please whisper.

Need a Break from the Noise? Try One of These Fiction Escapes

If you’re looking for a good book that gets what it feels like to live in a world that never shuts up—here are a few fiction picks that hit the mark (and might just help you laugh or think your way to a little peace):

📖 Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
A quirky, solitary woman slowly reconnects with the world—on her terms. Quiet, heartfelt, and full of dry humor.

📖 The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

An awkward professor tackles life and love with logic, order, and a desperate attempt to avoid the emotional clutter. Spoiler: it doesn’t go to plan.

📚 Got a favorite fiction book that helped you quiet the noise? Drop it in the comments. I’m always looking for a good read that won’t yell at me.