No matter how we try to avoid it, stress is a part of our lives. While everyone does experience stress, the effects can vary from person to person. Some people may have frequent headaches or feel irritable while others feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety.
In some cases, stress can cause depression, which is a common mental health disorder. Stress is also a catalyst for other health problems that are both physical and psychological.
However, just as there are many stress-related problems, there are as many solutions. One way to reduce stress is with music. Read on to learn how playing music can relieve stress.
HOW MUSIC CAN HELP ELIMINATE STRESS
Similar to how bright and positive colors can brighten your mood, both playing an instrument and listening to music can do the same. If you listen to music that is cheery and upbeat, you may find yourself feeling more optimistic than usual. On the other hand, slower music tends to have a calming and soothing effect, similar to the results of white noise.
However, everyone is different and may react differently to various types of music. One person may find it more beneficial to listen to more intense music, like rock and roll or heavy metal, whereas another may want soft, soothing rhythms. Listening to music you like can help take your mind off stressors and can help you relax.
Playing and listening to music helps to distract from what's causing feelings of stress. Since your brain performs one function at a time, it prioritizes its focus on music as opposed to what's causing your stress.
BENEFITS OF PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT
Research has shown that playing an instrument can help musicians at all skill levels to lower their blood pressure and heart rate, as well as reducing their anxiety, depression and stress. Playing a musical instrument can also improve your mental capacity and ability to problem-solve. And many musicians have experienced the “flow” state that comes with a truly productive practice session -- there’s nothing quite like it!
BENEFITS OF LISTENING TO MUSIC
Aside from relieving stress, music has other benefits as well. Music is also a great way to improve your focus. For example, most people like to listen to music when exercising. It helps them focus on their movements instead of what's going on around them.
Other benefits of listening to music include:
Improved memory
Reduced feelings of anxiety
Increased feel-good chemicals in your brain like dopamine and cortisol
Increased energy levels
Reduced feelings of depression
Increased pain tolerance
Music can do wondrous things. Various studies done by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that music can help people suffering from mental illness. In fact, playing music can reduce painful symptoms of some medical conditions, like arthritis or fibromyalgia.
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER TAKING MUSIC LESSONS
Listening to music is not the same as creating it yourself. Taking music lessons can also be a great way to deal with stress. You may even find that you have musical talent. Taking music lessons, whether it’s for the guitar, violin, flute or any other instrument, can boost self-confidence and give you a sense of accomplishment as well.
As much as we want to avoid it, stress does happen. However, there are things you can do to make everyday life just a little easier. Whether it's listening to your favorite tunes or learning how to play a musical instrument, music can do wonders. Contact Dublin Music Academy today to get started with a new skill that has the potential to improve your emotional and physical health!