Music is therapeutic. Period. We all have that one or a couple of favorite songs that we can connect to at a whole different level. There is music for every mood. While others can just listen to the songs, but not create one; probably the best part of being an artist is that you all have the talent and skills to create your own music.
Every instrument has different reverberations. Maybe, that is why music is an integral part of meditation too. It is food for your soul, mind, and body. In fact, some studies have also shown how playing an instrument is great for your mental health as it can give a boost to your cognitive abilities as well and can rewire your brain for good. A resource for good mental health.
So, if you are an independent artist, want to be one, or practice it as a hobby, now you have one more reason to pursue
it more fervently! Let’s look at the benefits together.
How Playing an Instrument is Great for Your Mental Health?
Playing an instrument is great for your mental health because it has multiple positive effects on the brain and overall well-being. The impact can be found on both the musicians and non-musicians but musically inclined people have their auditory areas more activated. This helps in enhancing neural pathways more effectively.
1. Slows Aging
Who wants to age? Everyone wants to look young and glowy. Music slows aging because of a simple reason, it keeps you happy and young at heart. As they say, stress gives you fine lines, music helps you steer clear of it.
2. Increases Grey Matter
Grey matter is present in the region of the brain that helps in controlling muscles and hence when that increases the sensory perception like seeing, hearing, emotions, decision making, self-control, and memory, even speech improves manifold.
3. Offsets Dementia and Other Cognitive Declines
With regular music practice, your brain becomes more resilient, and the inhibition, attention span, and processing speed also increase. A systematic review has also shown how the brain part that deals with reasoning and spatial organization advances as well.
4. Makes You Sharper
The cognitive abilities due to practicing and playing an instrument improve and help you solve problems faster. The more neural connections occur, the stronger the mind becomes and the cognitive processing ability keeps multiplying. So, if you are a student or working full-time and want to or are side hustling as an independent artist, know that it will help you succeed in academics and in your profession too!
Can Playing an Instrument Improve Your Mental Health?
Playing an instrument is great for your mental health because it improves your cognition and also helps you fight anxiety, depression, and reduce your stress levels significantly. Established and independent musicians often use songs and music as a way to release their ordeal. Through music, it becomes way easier for them to identify their feelings, triggers, work on them to soothe and heal.
All this also points out why songwriters are musicians and musicians are songwriters often. It doesn’t just help them pay bills but also strengthens their mind and soul.
The Role of Music Therapy
Music therapy has been widely recognized as an effective treatment for various mental health conditions. By engaging in music therapy, individuals can improve their emotional regulation, social skills, and cognitive functions. The act of playing an instrument can serve as a form of self-expression, helping individuals to process their emotions and experiences in a healthy way.
Enhancing Emotional Well-being
Playing an instrument is great for your mental health because it allows individuals to channel their emotions into their music. This can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with mental health issues, as it provides an outlet for expressing feelings that might be difficult to articulate otherwise. The sense of achievement and satisfaction from mastering a piece of music can also boost self-esteem and confidence.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Music has a calming effect on the mind and body. Playing an instrument is great for your mental health because it requires concentration and focus, which can help to distract from stressors and reduce anxiety levels. The repetitive nature of practice can also have a meditative effect, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.
Building a Sense of Community
Playing an instrument is great for your mental health because playing music with others, whether in a band, orchestra, or informal jam session, can foster a sense of community and belonging. Social connections are crucial for mental health, and making music with others can help to build supportive relationships and combat feelings of isolation.
Why Not Do More of What You Love?
Clearly, it is not just about following your passion; it is way more. All the aforementioned benefits can be experienced by you too, but only when you believe in your dream, keep experimenting, and try to work on several new tunes.
Get started! Being an independent artist and being new in the industry does make it a little tough for you. But, only if, you don’t get in touch with your two best friends – Social Media and Deliver My Tune. Get in touch with us to know how we can help you reach millions of people and turn them into your biggest fans while we also support you with free software for creating great music.
Now, get on with your practice, share with us your new music, sit back and see it going viral and soothe many more. Remember, your music abilities are a gift, they can help heal many and improve mental health. Never keep it to yourself.
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For further reading, explore these related articles:
- How to Effectively Support Musicians in 2024
- How to Earn Money as a Songwriter
- 5 Ways to Defeat Self-Doubt as a Musician
For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit Deliver My Tune.