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Stress has long become a constant companion for almost every adult. How many people today fall asleep thinking about work or studies, feeling the burden of unresolved tasks? The modern pace of life requires quick reactions and full engagement, which often leads to fatigue and discomfort. However, even simply playing a musical instrument can become an accessible way to find relief and return joy to everyday life.
In this article, we will analyze how music affects our body, consider expert opinions, get acquainted with practical recommendations, and find out why it is worth trying to pick up an instrument. And also what to do for those who do not like making music.
Why Stress Is Dangerous for Health
Chronic stress affects not only the emotional state but also overall health. If tension and anxiety become constant, serious disorders in the functioning of the whole body gradually appear.
According to the World Health Organization, about 60% of adults regularly face the consequences of prolonged stress. These include:
- high blood pressure,
- sleep disturbances,
- increased anxiety,
- reduced immunity,
- difficulties with concentration and memory.
Research by the American Psychological Association confirms: constant stress increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and can contribute to the development of depressive states. That is why specialists advise regularly using simple, accessible, and safe methods to restore emotional balance.
How Music Affects the Body
Why can music in particular have a positive effect on well-being? The answer lies in the special interaction of sounds with the human psyche and physiology.
The process of listening to music or making melodies on your own triggers complex reactions in the nervous system. The heart begins to beat more evenly, the level of stress hormones decreases, and the brain receives a signal to relax and tune in to positive emotions. According to research published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, people who regularly play instruments experience a 25% average reduction in anxiety. In addition, there is stabilization of blood pressure, a decrease in heart rate, and improvement in memory.
The main positive effects of music include:
- reduction of blood pressure,
- stabilization of emotional background,
- reduction of depressive symptoms,
- stimulation of cognitive functions and memory.
Suzanne Hanser, head of the Music Therapy Department at Berklee College of Music, notes: “Research shows that adults who play musical instruments have lower stress indicators, and the immune response of the body becomes more effective.” By immune response, specialists mean the body's ability to fight viruses and infections, which is especially important in cases of chronic fatigue.
Music Therapy Through the Eyes of Experts
The term “music therapy” means the use of music as a special method to help people with various psychological or physiological difficulties. Music becomes a tool in therapy both in individual and group settings.
Professional therapists use music to improve memory in elderly patients, reduce anxiety in depression, and increase self-esteem in people with chronic illnesses. Finnish clinical music therapist Kimmo Lehtonen emphasizes: “Music is closely connected with subconscious emotions that are activated during musical movement. These feelings remain significant even when a person no longer remembers who they are.” This approach is recognized as effective in many countries, and its scientific validity is confirmed by publications in international medical journals. For example, in Finland and Germany, music therapy is officially used in state clinics to support patients with dementia and depression.
Playing an Instrument as a Way to Reduce Stress
To experience the healing effect of music, it is not at all necessary to become a professional musician. Even simply learning basic chords or melodies can benefit the nervous system and overall well-being.
Playing a musical instrument contributes to:
- the development of mindfulness—the ability to focus on the present moment, letting go of worries about the past or future,
- distraction from constantly being in front of a phone or computer screen,
- the development of new social connections and enjoyment from making music together.
To start, it is enough to choose an instrument that is easy to learn. For example, the ukulele, a simple synthesizer keyboard, or percussion instruments are suitable for beginners. By regularly dedicating 15–20 minutes a day to practice, you can notice after just a week how tension goes away, and your mood becomes more stable. For instance, Maria from Yekaterinburg says that after starting to play the guitar using free online lessons, within a month she began to fall asleep more easily and feel calmer in difficult situations.
What if You Don’t Like Music?
Not everyone likes music. But there are even more people who, even if they love music, do not want to learn to play any instrument. Not all of us have an inclination for making music, and that is perfectly normal.
But what should these people do? In general, it is worth trying to replace music with hobbies that you enjoy. Today, video games are increasingly becoming such entertainment. The successes of SmartSoft, EA, or Tencent indicate growing demand for games regardless of platform or genre. You can take it a step further and combine video games with playing musical instruments. There are many such simulators, the most famous of which is Guitar Hero.
If you do not like video games, then just try to distract yourself from stress in any interesting way. Today, people are passionate about a wide variety of hobbies, from handicrafts to watching sports broadcasts. Some go even further and place bets while watching sports. Various bookmaker apps contribute to this. We have studied this area in more detail and found that such platforms have become extremely popular. According to one of the industry websites with reviews of betting apps, betting on IPL is becoming increasingly popular on iOS devices. However, there is also growth in the Android segment.
All this is to say that many entertainments are available right on your phone, and you can access them without even getting off the couch. In some cases, this is very important, as in stressful conditions, many people find it difficult to make themselves go outside for a walk or to exercise.
But maybe it is time to let music become your ally in the fight against stress and fatigue? Try playing a musical instrument for at least a few days in a row, listen to your feelings, and find joy in new melodies. May this experience bring you inspiration, calm, and a renewed engagement in your own life.