Quiet and darkness are easy to maintain because I live alone. I find it very restful.
I don’t have the TV on unless I am watching something. I no longer listen to the radio, if I want to listen to music or a podcast I do. Otherwise silence.
I have my windows open with the blinds partly drawn nearly all the time. Generally the only lights I put on are a reading lamp in the lounge and the range hood light in the kitchen. I have a few little power point, night lights about the place. And that’s all the light I need most of the time. I may put on an overhead light to prepare food or do something else that requires a bright light.
On weekdays before beginning work, I go into a room alone, shut the door, and read. This time varies; it has been as much as an hour, but has lately dwindled to only fifteen or twenty minutes. My mental health has dwindled correspondingly.
I also have a lot of animals to pet, however I’m now at the point of decreasing returns, as these creatures are driving me crazy!
Just got back from 4 days at the lake. I like to spend several days camping by myself and enjoying the quiet. Most times I follow a self-imposed media blackout, but this time I kept up with events (just a little).
Several days of trees and water seems to do the trick for me. It’s something I’ve practiced for 40 years now.
Yesterday my coworker asked if I wanted to take a hike with her at a local park. So we hiked for a while. It’s been a long time since I’ve done that, and it was pleasant. I heard my phone buzz a few times due to someone texting me, and I ignored it. Am glad I did it, though felt a little depressed afterwards for other reasons.