Music is the kind of pleasure no human being should be without. When you’re listening to a favorite tune, you’ll find your mood changes. You could feel joy or be energized. When you pick up an instrument, from the traditional guitar to the less ordinary bagpipes, you gain even more from music. So if you’re looking for a new hobby that’s more relaxing than active, try learning a musical instrument.
How Playing a Musical Instrument Relieves Stress
Playing musical instruments is highly beneficial to people. Many studies have revealed that it can relieve stress because it is an enjoyable and relaxing activity. Aside from that, it helps you to focus on the present moment and away from all the worries that are running through your mind.
When you’re playing music, all of your attention is focused on the notes you’re playing and how they fit together with the other instruments. You’re not thinking about what happened at school or at work or what you need to do tomorrow. You’re just there, in that moment, doing what comes naturally and making beautiful music through your instrument.
The Benefits of Playing a Musical Instrument
You can unwind in several ways after getting home from work or school. You could run a warm bath during winter or sit in your favorite space with a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Although those do help you relax, playing instruments may be the better option.
Here are reasons to play musical instruments:
Reduce stress level
Music is indeed a great way to express yourself. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing an instrument or singing along, music is a great outlet for the feelings and emotions that you have. It can help you deal with stress in unique ways that other forms of art can’t do as effectively.
If you’re feeling stressed out at work, you can play instruments and try writing down a song about how tiring your work is. Or if you’re feeling anxious about a major exam at school, you can play instruments and dance around until you feel better.
Helps you relax and unwind
There’s something about making sounds with your body that helps us relax and feel good about ourselves. The sound of instruments can soothe you when things are overwhelming.
It can also help you unwind from worrying about all the things that aren’t going well. In this way, you can focus on what’s more important instead. This is the perfect time for you to grab your best electric violin, guitar, or piano, and start playing musical instruments up to your heart’s content.
It brightens your mood
Musical instruments can have a huge effect on your mood. Instruments are an outlet for stress and tension. When you’re feeling upset, playing an instrument can be a great way to release that energy in a productive way and brighten your mood effectively.
When you play a musical instrument, you’re not just playing notes and melodies. You’re actually playing music and there’s something about the act of making music that can help you feel happy and bright.
Play Music Recreationally
It must be stressed though that making music as a profession carries different effects from doing it as a hobby. Professionals tend to be rigorous with their practice to master an instrument whereas the average person wanting to play a bit of piano doesn’t need to be proficient.
When you pick up an instrument to casually make music, you’re focusing on comfort and relaxation. You’ll likely play by ear instead of spending hours studying a music sheet. And you may pick out the easiest instrument, like a bongo, ukelele or keyboards.
Self-Expression and Stress Relief
Music, by itself, is a powerful tool for managing emotions. Depending on the tempo, it can make you feel upbeat and positive about life or it can relax and quiet the mind. When you take up an instrument, the effects on your mental health and wellbeing are even greater.
By playing musical instruments, you focus on the positive aspects of life and even bring joy to those around you. Imagine being able to play a few tunes during Thanksgiving or Christmas while your family and friends dance or sing along.
You may even take your music playing further by sharing your skills with your community. When you see the happy faces of your neighbors or coworkers, you may forget the stressful day or week you had. You’ll begin to shift your focus from the anxieties of everyday life to the rewards it may bring when you promote happiness through a musical instrument.
