Mental health and music - how the two go in tune perfectly

Whether you’re playing a calming violin solo at home or rocking out with a band on stage, playing a musical instrument is good for your mental health in a number of important ways. As it is Mental Health Awareness Week from the 12th to 18th of May, we thought now was the ideal time to take a closer look at why this is. Then, next time you pick up your instrument or go to your music deck, you’ll know that you’re playing music that is good for your overall mental wellbeing.

It's a workout for your brain

Every time you pick up your instrument you’re exercising your brain. Playing music boosts memory, concentration and co-ordination. And all while enjoying doing what you love! The reason for this is that you’re doing a host of different things simultaneously, like moving both hands, reading sheet music, keeping rhythm, listening to what you’re playing and, in some cases, you’re singing as well!

You may very well notice that playing an instrument helps you focus in other parts of your life. And this intense concentration can act like a form of meditation. It can help if you struggle with stress or anxiety as you are basically blocking out any and all distractions.

The same goes for DJing. Whether you’re playing music in the comfort of your own home or in front of a crowd, you’re doing a number of different actions at the same time. Like choosing the right tracks, mixing them, keeping time, tweaking EQs, and, when playing for an audience, reading their reactions and engaging with them. You might even be working the lighting and video to complement the music.

Music reduces stress and anxiety

Life these days is non-stop. But playing your instrument is an escape. It blocks out all the stresses and strains you’ve been carrying around. This is because playing music has a calming effect on your brain that in turn reduces the stress-related hormone called cortisol. This has a number of important benefits like helping to counteract the effects of chronic stress and lowering your blood pressure. You don’t even have to be playing anything complicated. A simple melody or improvised tune will focus your mind and keep you absorbed, which in turn reduces stress levels. So, if you’re feeling wound up about your day, take some time to play, even just 15 minutes will help actively calm your nervous system far better than trying to zone out in front of the TV or seeing what’s happening on social media.

It helps you sleep

This next point flows on perfectly from the last one. Playing your instrument helps you calm your mind and slow down. And as we mentioned before, it’s more relaxing than looking at a screen – big or small. Try it this evening before you go to bed. It will help you switch off. Try playing something relaxing and repetitive. A simple tune with slow scales and a mellow tune will ease you mind and help you sleep like a baby. And a good night’s sleep is crucial for your mental health. It can help boost your mood, reduce stress and improve cognitive functions like your memory and attention span.

It allows self-expression

Did you know that self-expression is essential for our mental health and emotional wellbeing? Being a musician allows you to express your thought and feelings, especially if you write your own music. This is important, as it can be something that’s difficult to achieve during our daily lives due to personality, personal situations or mental health. Picking up an instrument is a way to express ourselves without needing to say a single word.

Music lifts your mood

This one is probably not a shocker. But it’s important to note that playing music makes you happy. Doing what you enjoy and listening to music you’re playing can release dopamine which is a feel-good chemical in your brain that is given off when you eat your favourite food. So, when they say music is the food of love, it might be more exact to say, music is the food of happiness.

It builds confidence and self esteem

The more you practise playing an instrument or using a deck, the better you get. This builds confidence. It might be a little at a time, but every win matters. Also, being committed to playing shows you that you can learn and improve at something. This self-belief spills over to other parts of your life without you even realising. This includes building social confidence if you’re playing with others in a band or orchestra.

It helps you connect with those around you

Whether you’re jamming with friends, playing as part of a group or simply performing for family, you’re connecting with people. This is a powerful thing. It gives you a sense of belonging and builds a feeling of being part of a community. Playing with others also improves your social skills. If you’re in a band or orchestra, the people you play with become like family, creating strong bonds that can last a lifetime.

As we’ve shown, being a musician or DJ is good for your mental health and overall wellbeing. Whether you’re an amateur who just loves to play music or a professional entertaining an audience, you’re doing yourself good in lots of ways, from sharpening your brain to connecting with others and reducing stress. Best of all, you’re doing something you love to do.

We hope you’ve found this latest article of interest. And remember, at musicGuard, we’re here to keep you enjoying music.