Everyone’s done a bit of drumming here and there, whether it’s on a real drum set, or just with a pair of chopsticks on a table. The drum is a percussion instrument that is an essential part of most bands and music, but can it offer more than just a beat?
It turns out that drumming can have some very real benefits to your well-being. From depression and anxiety to chronic pain and beyond, this seemingly simple instrument is often the key to reducing nasty symptoms.
Have a look at some of the ways the best drum sets help others and find out whether this instrument could be therapeutic for you too.
Depression & Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are increasingly common conditions in today’s society, and people are always looking for new ways to reduce their symptoms. These conditions can become all-consuming and have a hugely negative impact on people’s lives, and every person has their own ways of coping.
It turns out that drumming can be added to the list of ways to reduce symptoms. The act of drumming causes your brain to release endorphins, alpha waves, and enkephalins, which all promote feelings of happiness and even euphoria. One study saw participants have up to 38% reduction of depression and a 20% reduction of anxiety just by drumming.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can have various root causes, but what remains the same in all cases is the sufferer’s need for relief. Wherever the pain is coming from, sometimes the same old stretches and painkillers aren’t enough, leaving people searching for more options.
Drumming can prove very helpful to those suffering from chronic pain. It offers a distraction from the pain, giving people something else to focus on. Let’s face it: when someone is playing drums, it’s hard to focus on anything else as it is.
When drums stimulate the release of endogenous opiates and endorphins, the body eases up tension and stiffness. Playing the drums is a natural pain killer.
Boosts Immune System
The immune system is an incredibly important part of having a healthy life. It is responsible for fighting toxins and infections in the body. If your immune system is down, chances are you’re going to get sick.
Drumming can boost your immune system by increasing natural T-cells, according to Dr. Barry Bittman of Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute. His research shows that group drumming, in particular, is helpful in this respect. T-cells are responsible for helping the body fight cancer, AIDS, and various other illnesses. As a result, spending time perfecting your own rhythm can prevent you from feeling worse.
Release of Negativity
It’s easy to build up negative feelings and energy throughout the day. It could be from stress at work, a situation at home, a disagreement with a friend, among countless other root causes. Built-up negativity can cause fatigue, stress, and impact the rest of your life.
Drumming can help release negative feelings as it is a form of self-expression. Take your negativity out on a drum set, and you’re sure to feel a little lighter than you did before. Drumming has even been used as a therapeutic tool for some addicts to help express their feelings and emotions.
Conclusion
Whatever you’ve got going on in your life, research proves that drumming can help. Whether you need to distract yourself from physical/mental pain, release some emotions, or just need a little boost, playing drums has a good chance of offering you some relief. If you are sick of stress, pain, and fatigue, why not give drumming a try?
Photo Credits
Photo is from imgur
Guest Author Bio
Trenton J. Smith
Trenton is an aspiring writer who loves to research and write about a wide variety of topics. When he is not writing, he enjoys gardening and long walks with his dog Boomer.
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