More Than Just Listening: How Making Music Actively Boosts Your Mental Wellbeing (Backed by Science!)
We all know that feeling, right? That shiver down your spine when your favourite song plays, the way a melody can instantly lift your mood, or how a powerful chorus can make you feel connected to something bigger than yourself. Music is undeniably powerful, and we often talk about its incredible ability to soothe, energize, and move us.
But what if I told you that the act of making music yourself – whether it’s belting out a tune in the shower, strumming a few chords on a guitar, or even just tapping a rhythm on your desk – could be an even more potent tool for your mental wellbeing?
Recently, I stumbled upon some fascinating research that really resonated with what we believe here at Musicably. A paper titled “Positive global mental health: an overview” by authors Jeonghyun Shin, Uriel Halbreich, and Dilip V. Jeste, highlights a crucial shift in how we think about mental health. Instead of solely focusing on what’s wrong – the symptoms, disorders, and risk factors – there’s a growing understanding of the importance of our strengths, positive social connections, and the things that actively promote our well-being.
And guess what? Making music ticks so many of those positive boxes!
The researchers emphasize the value of things like resilience, optimism, compassion, spirituality, and purpose in life, along with strong social support. Think about it: when you’re learning a new instrument, you’re building resilience as you overcome challenges. When you’re creating a piece of music that expresses your emotions, you’re tapping into a sense of purpose and even a spiritual connection to the art form. And if you’re playing with others in a band, choir, or even just jamming with friends, you’re fostering those vital social connections.
The paper even mentions that these positive psychosocial factors aren’t just feel-good extras; they actually have strong evidence backing their ability to reduce the risk of mental illnesses, improve the long-term course of these illnesses, and even promote recovery. This is powerful stuff!
Think about your own experiences with music making. Have you ever felt a sense of calm wash over you as you focused on playing an instrument? Or maybe a surge of joy and connection when you sang harmonies with others? These aren’t just fleeting feelings; they’re likely linked to the very mechanisms our brains use to regulate mood and wellbeing.
The research suggests that we need to move beyond a purely “reactive” healthcare system that only kicks in when problems arise. Instead, we should be actively cultivating these positive aspects of our lives to build a foundation of good mental health. And guess what’s a fantastic way to do that? You guessed it – making music!
The paper touches on the importance of community and social support in mental wellbeing. Participating in musical activities, whether it’s joining a local choir, a community band, or even just forming a small jam group with friends, provides a wonderful avenue for social connection. You’re sharing a common interest, working towards a shared goal (a performance, a song, just having fun), and building relationships with people who appreciate the same things you do. This sense of belonging and mutual support is incredibly valuable for our mental health.
Furthermore, the act of learning a musical instrument or improving your vocal skills can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Each small victory – mastering a new chord, hitting that tricky note, finishing a song – builds on the last and reinforces a sense of accomplishment. This can have a ripple effect, positively impacting other areas of your life as well.
The researchers also highlight the importance of finding meaning in life. For many of us, music is deeply meaningful. It’s a way to express ourselves when words fail, to connect with our emotions, and to create something beautiful. Engaging in active music making allows us to tap into this personal meaning in a profound way.
So, the next time you feel the urge to sing along to the radio, pick up that dusty guitar in the corner, or try your hand at a new instrument, remember that you’re not just having fun (though that’s a big part of it!). You’re also actively nurturing your mental wellbeing. You’re building resilience, fostering connections, boosting your confidence, and finding meaning – all through the incredible power of making music.
Let’s move beyond just being passive listeners and embrace the active joy of creating sound. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or someone who’s never touched an instrument before, there’s a world of musical possibilities out there waiting for you. And as this research suggests, it’s a world that can significantly enrich your mental health and overall wellbeing.
What are your favourite ways to actively make music and how does it make you feel? Share your experiences by email – let’s inspire each other to get making some beautiful noise!
Stay musical, stay well!
Image by Perplexity
