How playing an instrument is a wonderfully positive way to manage stress.
By Max Filkins/Family Piano
We live in an endlessly complex world and there’s no signs that things are trending towards becoming simpler anytime soon. Whether you’re an adult, a teenager, or a child, the complexity of living in this day and age is weighing on us all. We all must deal with the stresses of work, school, money, family, society, and the other obstacles we all have to deal with.
And while the search for a quick solution can be alluring at first – whether through chemicals like alcohol or escapism like video games – very soon, you’re back to your old stressors. Finding healthy and productive ways to help get us through the stressful parts of life is the key to becoming happier and healthier people. It’s time to make a change for the better.
Have you ever came out of a long “heart-to-heart” talk with a friend, significant other, or family member feeling a bit emotionally drained but happy, as if just having someone to talk to about your life and problems puts it all into perspective?
That feeling is just how you feel coming out of a long, productive music making session. Whether you’re playing the instrument by yourself or with others, you’ll leave feeling accomplished and much more at peace. Why is playing an instrument the perfect way to combat stress? It comes down to three components:
Physical exertion
Just like after going to the gym, or dancing, or any other physical activity, we come out of the activity feeling much more at peace and relaxed due to the physical exertion. We are transferring some of our emotional energy associated with stress into physical energy leaving the body.
Emotional exertion
Playing an instrument requires us to be emotionally attentive at a constant level. We are constantly thinking about the emotions within the music and how to convey those emotions through the music. This level of sympathetic exchange is truly special. When playing music, you’re training yourself to be more empathetic towards others as well as training yourself to understand your own emotions and stressors better.
Social interaction
Whether you’re playing with others, anticipating playing for others, or playing within earshot of others, music making is a social activity. The friendships and connections you will form through music will go a long way to combatting the stress that life throws at you.
Ask for details
At Family Piano Co, we believe music should be the least stressful thing in your day. That is why we make anything from buying a piano to taking music lessons as stress-free as possible. Come stop by at 118 S Genesee St. today and let us show you around. Try your hands on any guitar or piano and see what we’re talking about when we say we sell happiness seven days a week. Our knowledgeable staff are dedicated to helping you become the best musician you can be!