Music is a universal language that can touch our hearts and souls. It can uplift our mood, express our emotions, and allows us to socialise with others. Did you know that music can also have a positive impact on your mental health? Whether you are a beginner or an expert, playing or learning a musical instrument can offer you various benefits for your cognitive, social, and emotional wellbeing. Here are some of the ways music can improve your mental health.
1. It reduces stress and anxiety.
Stress and anxiety are common mental health issues that affect millions of people around the world. They can negatively impact your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical health. One way to cope with stress and anxiety is to play or learn a musical instrument. According to Harvard Health1, music activates some of the broadest and most diverse networks of the brain, including the regions involved in emotion. Music can create a state of mindfulness, which helps you focus on the present moment and shift your attention away from negative thoughts and worries. Music can also release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and reward2. Playing or learning a musical instrument can help you relax, calm down, and feel happier.
2. It combats depression.
Depression is another common mental health disorder that affects your mood, energy, motivation, and self-esteem. It can make you feel hopeless, worthless, and isolated. One way to fight depression is to play or learn a musical instrument. According to the Sloan School of Music3, music can stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and happiness. Music can also increase your self-confidence, as you learn new skills and achieve your goals. Music can also provide you with a sense of purpose, meaning, and belonging, as you express yourself and connect with others who share your passion.
3. It improves memory function.
Memory is an essential cognitive function that allows you to store, process, and recall information. Memory can decline with age or due to various factors such as stress, lack of sleep, or brain injury. One way to enhance your memory function is to play or learn a musical instrument. According to Learn Music4, music can improve your concentration, focus, attention span, working memory, and creativity. Music can also strengthen the connections between different brain regions, especially the ones involved in auditory, visual, and motor processing1. Playing or learning a musical instrument can help you boost your cognitive performance and prevent memory loss.
4. It teaches patience.
Patience is a virtue that can help you cope with challenges, frustrations, and setbacks in life. Patience can also help you improve your relationships, as you become more tolerant, understanding, and empathetic towards others. One way to cultivate patience is to play or learn a musical instrument. According to Learn Music4, music can help you enhance your body parts coordination, listening skills, time management skills, and discipline. Music can also help you overcome difficulties, mistakes, and failures, as you practice regularly and persistently. Playing or learning a musical instrument can help you develop patience and resilience.
5. It increases mental sharpness.
Mental sharpness is the ability to think clearly, quickly, and creatively. Mental sharpness can decline with age or due to various factors such as stress, fatigue, or boredom. One way to maintain or improve your mental sharpness is to play or learn a musical instrument. According to The Independent5, music can activate both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously, which enhances your analytical and creative thinking skills. Music can also challenge your brain with complex patterns, rhythms, melodies, and harmonies1. Playing or learning a musical instrument can help you keep your mind sharp and agile.
Summary
As you can see, playing or learning a musical instrument can have various benefits for your mental health. It can reduce stress and anxiety, combat depression, improve memory function, teach patience, and increase mental sharpness. So why not give it a try? Whether you choose to play the piano, the guitar, the saxophone, or any other instrument, you will not only enjoy yourself, but also improve your wellbeing.
Don’t forget that your voice is your own instrument, so you can join a choir, sing karaoke, set up a band or simply sing your heart out in the shower for some positivity too.
1. health.harvard.edu 2. wellbeingnews.co.uk 3. sloanschoolofmusic.com 4. learn.podium.school 5. independent.co.uk