Is Playing An Instrument The Best Music Therapy? What’s The Most Relaxing Activity?
(Title image by DALL-E 3)
Hi WA Friends!
Life can get pretty stressful sometimes. Whether it’s school, work, or just the stuff we deal with every day, finding a way to relax is super important
For a lot of us, music is the best way to do that. But what’s the most relaxing way to enjoy music? Is playing an instrument the best way to feel better? Or is there something else that helps even more?
Music isn’t just something we hear; it’s something we feel and experience. It can make us happy, help us share our feelings, or just make us want to move. We've all noticed that different music activities make people feel relaxed in different ways.
Let’s check out some of the options and see which one might be the most calming for you.
Playing An Instrument
Picking up an instrument is one of the best ways to get lost in music. Whether it's strumming a guitar, tapping piano keys, or playing a beat on the drums, playing an instrument can help you focus on what’s happening right now and forget about everything else. It’s kind of like meditation – your mind zooms in on the music, and there’s just no space for stress!
Plus, making music with your own hands feels really good. Each note connects with how you’re feeling, and sometimes hitting the right notes can make all your tension go away. For me, there’s nothing like losing track of time while playing my guitar. I play various guitars for hours a day, and it really helps me relax! For me, my two most relaxing activities are watching movies with my wife and playing music.
The great Les Paul, who I had the honor to meet, once told me that the guitar was like his bartender. It lets him vent all his concerns and sorrows while asking for nothing in return.
Writing Lyrics Or Composing Music
Writing lyrics or creating your own music can be an awesome way to let your feelings out. Putting words down on paper or making up a melody helps you get out whatever is on your mind. Writing lyrics can help you make sense of your emotions, which can be really calming.
Composing music is more than just writing; it’s about building something from scratch. Whether it’s a full song or just a simple tune, creating something that’s all yours can make you feel proud and peaceful. It’s like turning your feelings into sound, and when it all comes together, it’s super rewarding and relaxing!
I'm not a lyrics writer, and I seldom compose entire songs. I enjoy picking up a guitar and playing whatever comes into my head or playing along with my favorite tunes. It's amazing how much things like the type of guitar I'm using, the amplifier it's plugged into, and the effects I dial in can influence what I play and how it sounds, especially if I'm just noodling around on the instrument. It's all part of the fun and relaxation!
Singing Along
Singing along to your favorite songs is a great way to boost your mood. There’s something about singing the lyrics, even if you miss a note or two, that makes you feel so alive. Singing helps you let out your emotions in a way that talking doesn’t always do.
When you sing, your problems seem to fade away for a bit. You feel the rhythm and the words, and for those few minutes, it’s all about the music. The best part is that you don’t need anything special. You could be in the car, the shower, or just chilling in your room, and singing can turn any moment into something relaxing!
I'm not a singer, but I hum a lot of guitar parts I hear in other people's songs or in my head. It helps me to remember them so that I can give them a try when I pick up a guitar. I like to change them around a bit to make them more interesting or challenging to play.
Dancing Freestyle
Sometimes, the best way to relax with music is to just let go and dance. Freestyle dancing doesn’t have any rules – you just move however you want. Whether you’re swaying gently or having an all-out dance party, dancing is a great way to release energy and have fun. Moving to the music without caring about anything else makes dancing a really unique way to chill out.
There’s something about dancing that makes you feel like a kid again. You let the beat take over, and suddenly, you’re not thinking about your worries anymore. It’s all about feeling the rhythm and moving however you feel like. Even just a few minutes of dancing around the room to your favorite songs can leave you feeling happy and relaxed!
My wife is a big singer and freestyle dancer. It's not unusual to see her singing and dancing her way down the aisles of a department store, especially if she's found that perfect pair of shoes to go with the dress she just bought. Lol 😎
She'll drag me out on the dance floor when we go to our favorite clubs, and I have a lot of fun making a fool of myself, especially after a cocktail or two! Haha 😆
Other Relaxing Music Activities
Of course, everyone has their own favorite way to relax with music. Maybe you love lying down, closing your eyes, and just letting the music wash over you. Or perhaps you like putting on headphones and going for a walk, matching your steps to the beat. The awesome thing about music is that it’s personal, and what works for one person might be different for someone else.
The key is finding that music activity that brings you peace. Whether you’re strumming some chords, humming along to a tune, or dancing like no one’s watching, music has a way of helping us let go of stress and feel better!
Tell Me What You Think!
Are you someone who relies on music to brighten your day or help you relax?
How effective do you find it?
So, if you could choose only one, which musical activity is the most relaxing?
- Playing an Instrument
- Writing Lyrics/Composing Music
- Singing Along
- Dancing Freestyle
- Other
Let me know in the comments, AND ...
Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘
(Pin by DALL-E 3)
Frank 🎸
~80 Human written content.
Recent Comments
29
Playing my old triangle certainly helped me to relax Frank and I haven't bought my new acoustic guitar yet... so only time will tell if that helps!!
I participate in a few other activities which help me to relax more though... I am just not going to mention them here!!!
Have a Rocking Weekend!!
🤣👍🍻🎸😎🍸
Hi Nick
I assume you played your triangle in some sort of musical ensemble, right?
It’s more stress-relieving to learn an instrument that you can play by yourself in the privacy of your home.
Learning to play a new instrument like the guitar can be a little stressful at first, but the relaxation dividends will come pouring in once you master the basics! 😎
Rock the Weekend! 🤘🥳🍻
Frank 🎸
I certainly did Frank!
Our musical ensemble of 7 year olds would have rocked the world if we stayed together!!
Unfortunately... that will never happen now...
Rock the rest of your weekend as well my friend!!
👍🍻🍸😎🎸
Losing good friends in their early 40's is never easy Frank...
But it's the same at any age I would say..
Rock On!
🙏🎸😎🍸🍻👍
Your blog has got me thinking, Frank, of how boring this world would be without music.
As I was out and about running my errands, and whether it was a coffee shop, supermarket, or any other store- there was always some background music playing softly. Kind of like having elevator music around.
I understand where you're coming from when playing an instrument- it's easy to get lost in it. It can be therapeutic- and it doesn't matter if you're the best musician or hitting the wrong notes, just as long as you're enjoying it. 🎼🎶🎹
Your timely post has just reminded me to whip out the Christmas sheet music to get started on some holiday pieces. I look forward to playing for family and friends every year during the holidays. 🎄
Appreciate the post!🤘🎸
Isaiah 🙂
Hi Isaiah
Yes, I think that very few people realize how much music (background or otherwise) is an integral part of our daily lives. The world would be boring indeed without it!
Music is not only the "universal language," but it is one of the most complex languages and so easy to get lost in, like the mother of all rabbit holes!
Music is my hobby, so my number one goal is to have fun with it!
My wife is already streaming Christmas songs. She really loves all the major holidays!
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hey Frank totally agree with you on Music it is more than just listening to some favorite tunes.
Funny in the old high school days I used to listen to the good old bands like Deep Purple my absolute favorite along with Led Zepplin, Uriah Heap and a few more and that was while doing homework.
My next door neighbour and I had the entire record collection of all three bands mentioned above and we would swap to the ones we didn't hear.
But I used to record his records on the old reel-to-reel and keep a copy for myself LOL.
These days, still listen to them fortunately don't need to do the homework so I can enjoy it all and remember those good old days of the real heavy rock not the metal these days those some are good.
But also listen to classical and other relaxation music especially for meditation and other areas today or when I just want to chill out on my own.
As for the choice, of course as you know, playing a musical instrument would be my main choice as I have since I was around 7 years of age. That is 60 years ago wow, just thought of the years now but still love it.
Music was my life dad played the drums. My younger brother played the guitar and at the time I played the accordion with many eisteddfods to boot including the state championship at the Opera House which was an experience on its own.
Later when I stopped playing in the band with Dad and my brother.
Later I joined another band and got my brother in it.
That is when I started to play the keyboards. A few years later formed another band with my brother and some old friends which was a blast.
I still play the keyboards at home but not as fast as I used to but still a great way to exercise those fingers when I can.
Nowadays arthritis has slowed down the keyboarding but still give it a go every now and then push the limits of pain until I can't play anymore and need a break.
I love to just warm up then ad-lib wherever I can and create my own music
That way I get myself lost in the moment of joy and could go for hours without a care in the world. Well at least until my body says your fingers need a rest LOL
That was my way to relax these days plus also now listen to meditative music during meditation and healing sessions as I do Reiki in my private time.
So instrument for be the first choice and other as a second with meditation and healing as an extra.
Thanks once more, brought some memories back while typing this with a smile.
Appreciated.
Lets always keep on rocking 🤘🎸
Andre 🎹
Great response, Andre!
Hahaha, I certainly knew that you would choose "playing an Instrument" as your number one choice! 👍😎
Yeah, the good ol' musical days! I went all through school listening to my favorite tunes, too, sometimes reading until 2 or 3 in the morning as a medical student.
Wow, you beat me by a few years, Andre! I don't think I started playing the guitar until I was 11 or 12 years old, and I got serious about it in high school. I doubt I missed more than a dozen days without picking up a guitar for at least 10 or 15 minutes. I'm 70 years old now, and I don't know where the time went, but it sure was fun. However, I'm having more fun than ever these days now that I'm almost fully retired.
We had a very similar musical childhood. My dad played the banjo, my mother played the guitar, ukulele, and piano, my brother played the drums, and my sister plays the guitar. Also, most of my aunts and uncles played instruments, including the accordion. In a big Italian family, someone always plays the accordion.
Yeah, I had to go to lighter gauge strings on my guitars to make bending and finger vibrato easier with a touch of arthritis in my fingers, but I can still play for three or four hours straight. God willing, that will continue!
Keep On Rockin' It, Andre! 🤘🎹
Frank 🎸
Great to hear, Frank. And yeah, the Accordion is a must for European families like ours. My dad was Slovenian, and Mum was Croatian, so the good old Polkas, Waltzs, and Tangos were the norm.
Let's us both continue to exercise our fingers and keep whatever flexibility we can.
In the meantime, we will keep on rocking to our heart's content.
🎸🤘
Andre 🎹
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Hi Frank
I can't imagine a day without some sort of music. Everything you mentioned is how I enjoy music, except for the dancing. My dancing sounds similar to yours, after a few cocktails, I make a fool of myself, but I always have fun doing it! 🤣🤣
I do have a very big problem with whistling. I whistle nonstop and don't even realize I'm doing it. The positive side to that is we play "Patience" by GnR and when we start the song, it turns heads for every time. I guess I could say the whistling is a form of music therapy for me.
Another great musical post, Frank! 🎶
Keep Rockin!! 🤘😎🎸
Tim 🎼
Hi Tim
My wife is a whistler, too, and she's always the one to drag me onto the dance floor, but it's all good fun! Lol 😆
When I pick up a guitar, it's like flipping through a "musical photo album," haha. Even when I play something brand new, it reminds me of something similar I've played in the past and the memories attached to it. I assume it's somewhat the same for you, too. 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hi Frank
Yes, it is the same for me!
And that's a very accurate description, "musical photo album". 😎🎶
Keep Rockin!! 🤘🎸😎
Tim 🎼
Hahaha, it must be a musician thing, Tim! 😃🎶
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸