The movie theater and the witness stand aren't the only places you may feel like keeping your mouth shut. While silence in long spurts isn't for everyone, you can benefit from occasional nonverbal moments. No-noise time will not only calm you down, but it also can improve your health. For one, silence helps reduce your stress-induced cortisol levels. "Studies have found that high cortisol levels can lead to decreased IQ levels, suppressed thyroid function, higher blood pressure, and increased abdominal fat," says Janet Luhrs, author of The Simple Living Guide. Here's how to find a few moments to yourself:

Wake up: Your cortisol level is highest in the morning but it takes only 12 minutes to bring it down. When you wake up, don't reach for your coffee or switch on the morning news. Instead, spend 12 minutes meditating, breathing, or stretching.

Drive: While it's natural to switch on the radio as you start up your car, try taking your commute without the noise. "The car is a great place to take a rare moment of quiet," Luhrs says.

Find your space: Pick a place at home that you enjoy (a bedroom corner or a patch of grass in the yard) and sit there in silence. If it's uncomfortable, start with just a few minutes. "Do whatever you're comfortable with," Luhrs says. "Don't make it into another stress."