Does Learning An Instrument Help Relieve Stress?

Though we might try our best to avoid it at all costs, many of us have to accept that stress is simply a part of life. Of course, though everyone experiences stress, the impact that it can have may vary depending on a number of factors. 

Some people suffer from overwhelming senses of anxiety, while others feel irritable or get headaches. In unfortunate cases, stress can get so bad that it can cause depression, a mental health disorder that is all too common. 

In short, stress can be a catalyst for other physical and psychological health problems if not taken care of. 

 

The good thing is that for all of the problems out there related to stress, there are an equal number of solutions. One of the best ways to reduce stress is with music. Today, we’re going to dive in and talk about how playing an instrument can reduce or relieve the stress you deal with daily. 

 

Why Music Can Eliminate Stress

Playing an instrument or listening to music can brighten your mood, similar to the way that looking at bright, positive colors can enhance your mood. If you listen to cheerful, upbeat music, you may feel an overwhelming sense of optimism. On the other end of the spectrum, slower music can soothe or calm you, very similar to the way white noise works.

Of course, every person is built differently, and the way we react to certain types of music can change based on our personalities. Some people benefit from listening to music that others would typically find intense, such as heavy metal or rock and roll. Other people like music that is soft and soothing, such as jazz or classical. 

The point is that music can inhibit stressors by taking your mind off of them, helping you to decompress and relax. By playing an instrument, you can further distract yourself from the feelings of stress that you’re having. Because your brain is only able to perform a single function at once, it is forced to prioritize playing music instead of focusing on the things that are causing you to feel stressed.

 

How Playing An Instrument Can Be Beneficial

Researchers say that playing instruments can help musicians lower their heart rates and blood pressure, regardless of their skill level. It can also reduce stress levels, lower anxiety, and deter depression. 

Beyond that, playing an instrument can increase your ability to problem-solve, as well as improve your overall mental capacity. If you’ve ever had a truly productive practice session or gotten in the groove while playing with friends, then you know what it feels like to be in the “flow state,” as many call it. 

If you ask us, there is nothing quite like that feeling! 

 

General Music Benefits

Beyond playing an instrument, there are many benefits that music can give us in general. For starters, listening to music is a wonderful way to improve your focus, which is why so many people enjoy listening to music when studying, working or exercising. 

While listening to music, you can instead focus on what’s going on with the music instead of focusing too hard on the things going on around you.

Some of the major benefits of playing an instrument and listening to music include:

• Reduced feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression
• Increased energy levels
• Increased cortisol and dopamine (the feel-good chemicals in the brain)
• Improved focus and memory

There are many studies that come from the National Center for Biotechnology regarding how music can help people suffering from various mental illnesses. They have also found that playing an instrument can be a form of pain management, helping people take their minds off of the painful symptoms of chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia or arthritis. 

 

How Music Lessons Can Be Helpful

Of course, as you probably know, the act of playing music vs. listening to it is very different. Taking music lessons can be beneficial in helping you to deal with your stress, giving yourself a sense of accomplishment, and boosting your self-confidence.

Stress happens, no matter how much we try and avoid it. With music, however, you can make going through your daily life that much easier. Whether you choose to play a musical instrument or simply enjoy listening to music, it can do wonders for your stress.