Top 7 Health Benefits of Playing Music

Playing music is becoming more and more popular for people of different ages, and it’s no wonder, since it has so many advantages. It is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself, right up there with gardening, even if it is just indoor gardening under indoor plant lights. And those advantages are open to anyone who wants to learn or improve. There is nothing preventing a child, an adolescent or an older person from getting some musical practice.

How Music Benefits Your Health

There are many ways music benefits your health, and many of them involve your brain’s abilities. It’s really amazing how much playing music from time-to-time can help you and also prevent some diseases. Even listening to music can help you in some ways, but playing it yourself is always better.

Here are some ways music can benefit your health:

Improves memory.
Studies show that playing an instrument regularly has many benefits for your memory. And if you start as a kid, it’s even better, since you get those tenfold.
Keeps you sharp.
Some instruments are complicated, like the oboe, and take a lot of knowledge to learn to play well. But in general, playing affects your thinking in a positive way, and if you play every day, the risk of some diseases is greatly reduced.
Relieves stress.
This one is a massive point nowadays. Our tempo of life is crazy; all the stress and worrying brings up many health issues and can throw a spanner in the works of the human body’s systems. Fortunately, playing music can act as a “chill pill” and gives you an opportunity to relax and learn something at the same time.
Boosts your respiratory system.
It’s quite common for musicians to have strong lungs and a good respiratory system in general. There are many exercises for breathing and correct techniques you’ll have to learn if you’re playing often and are serious about improving.
Helps with Alzheimer’s.
This is very important for sick people, as studies show that listening to and even playing music (though not the long and exhausting practices) helps a lot.
Regulates your mood-swings.
Mood-swings come from stress and can ruin your social life, your family, your career and the inner-peace with yourself. Science tells us there’s no need to go to the doctor and take medication; mood-swings can be dealt with on a different level. Music will help you relax, find enjoyment the process and stop those mood-swings.
Coordination benefits.
There are many people who have bad coordination and suffer greatly from it. Dancing helps with that, and doing crafts too, but music can also save you from the inconvenience and helps get your moves right.

What Instrument Should You Play?

This is the first question people usually ask when they think about playing music. And indeed, you have many options to choose from. It really all just depends on yourself. There is no need to do anything if you don’t feel like it, or think it would be uncomfortable for you. So, think of your desires first. There are many different styles of music, so who knows, maybe you’ll find you’re into folk and get yourself an accordion or a banjo. But if you really have the will to it, there is nothing that can stop you on your way.

Plus, who says you have to limit yourself to just one? You can be a world class drummer like Emslie and a great vocalist at the same time. Or you can do the Trent Reznor thing and just handle everything yourself.

Conclusion

There are many benefits of playing an instrument, which can be crucial for some people with specific diseases and health problems. Music is also a good therapy for many, just like riding a horse or swimming with dolphins. Music cures and heals us, and now it’s all proved.