Wiesbaden introduces the first silent hour for more calm and thoughtfulness

Wiesbaden introduces the first silent hour for more calm and thoughtfulness

In the vibrating city of Wiesbaden, a completely new concept is now being tried out: The “Silent Hour” is celebrating! Every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the shops in the city center take the initiative to ensure peace and relaxation. Over 20 retailers have come together to dim the lighting conditions, to switch off the background music and to avoid loud announcements. This special project is not only a profit for the individual customer, but also a great way to take more consideration for people with special needs. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung emphasizes that the action is, people with autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders, Migraines or long-covid to offer a more relaxed shopping atmosphere.

This introduction is part of a broader movement that has its origin in New Zealand, where the initiative started as "Silent Shopping" or "Quiet Hour". The concept has now become growing popularity in different countries, as in France, where Carrefour already offers similar measures.

a valuable consideration

The "silent hour" is not only a relief for people affected, but also brings advantages for the employees in the shops. Less noise also means less stress for employees, which relaxes the general working atmosphere. The call to return to silence and gratitude is classified as urgently necessary by many, especially at a time when digital distractions and loud atmosphere often dominate. According to Wikipedia, the initiative is supported by important representatives such as Corinna Rüffer, the member of the Bundestag, and the Association of Autism Germany.

Another central point of the "silent hour" is the education about the needs of neurodive -hugged people. According to the portal silent hour, sensory barriers are dismantled and the focus is on the challenges with which people and autistic people are confronted in everyday life. Course overflow through too many simultaneous sensory impressions is a big topic. Especially for people who suffer from ADHD or autism, shopping in a loud environment can become a real challenge.

toast social changes

However, the project goes beyond retail. There are five areas on the agenda in which social changes should take place: education, business, health, social recognition and education. The importance of addressing these topics underlined several studies that show the high mortality and suicide risks in people with autism. As a society, it is important to us to actively participate for people with special needs that invite you to actively participate.

The idea of a "celebration of silence" could also meet great interest here in order to create more space for thinking and deeper conversations within social gatherings. A step in the right direction in a time when many people want to get silence back with nature.

The "silent hour" is therefore far more than just a quiet shopping afternoon - it is a valuable building block for an inclusive society, in consideration, understanding and mindfulness. It remains to be seen how this initiative changes the perception of shopping and dealing with each other.