BLOGS
Educational blogs for parents and professionals
5 Beginner-Friendly Instruments for Mental Health
Embarking on a musical journey can be a powerful ally in fostering mental well-being, and choosing the right instrument can make all the difference. In this blog post, we explore five beginner-friendly instruments that not only make learning enjoyable but also contribute to mental health in various ways. From the ethereal tones of the tongue drum to the soothing resonance of the singing bowl, each instrument offers a unique avenue for relaxation, focus, self-expression, and more. Join us in discovering how these instruments can become your companions on the path to enhanced mental well-being.
Tongue Drum
You know that beautiful serene music that you hear playing at the spa or in yoga classes? Well, you can make that yourself if you have a tongue drum. There are no “wrong” notes on the instrument, as the intervals are all within a pentatonic scale - basically meaning they all sound great together and in any order. It also resonates with complex overtones as you play, meaning that the sound you create will be more immersive and complex as you continue playing. Order one for yourself or a loved one here.
Great for: Relaxation, focus, mindfulness, self expression
Singing Bowl
This one serves a similar purpose to the one above, except for it’s even simpler. With only one note and infinite *overtones* (see above) to accompany it as you play, you’ll find yourself immersed and soothed by the sounds you’re making. In fact, it was originally designed in Tibet for this very purpose, often being accompanied with meditation. You can find one here.
Great for: Relaxation, focus, mindfulness
Bamboo Flute
Continuing in the territory of soothing spa-like music, a bamboo flute can be a great way to combine that feeling with learning an instrument and having a way to express yourself (Andre 3000 figured this out recently!). There are so many different kinds of bamboo flutes depending on what you want and how much you want to spend, but I’d recommend starting here.
Great for: Breath control & support, self expression, relaxation, cognitive exercise, self-actualization
Djembe
Have you ever been a part of a drum circle? If you have, you know that feeling of freedom and catharsis that comes with getting lost in a swirl of rhythms for extended periods of time. You could create those moments for yourself at home with something like a djembe. Originally hailing from West Africa, this instrument has been used for centuries, often in communal places alongside others. It’s no wonder that this instrument has carried on throughout such a long time, as drumming can be shown to improve cognitive functioning, motor functioning, mood, stress levels, and even speech & communication in some cases. Feel free to peruse the web or your local music shop to find one that calls out to you, but you can start here.
Great for: Self expression, emotional outlet/catharsis, cognitive exercise, rhythmic entrainment
Dulcimer
The last one on our list is one you may not see so often - the dulcimer. Remember that word ‘pentatonic’ from the first part of our list? This instrument is in that same kind of key, so you’re probably not going to find yourself accidentally playing a note you’re not happy with. It will feel like playing a guitar, as it has strings and frets and looks very similar. The difference is that there are fewer strings and the frets are much wider. It can be a fantastic way to enter the world of learning to play the guitar while also making sounds that you’ll immediately love. Get yourself a dulcimer here, sit down in a quiet room, and get lost in the sounds that you make with it.
Great for: Self expression, cognitive exercise, self-actualization
In the realm of mental health and self-discovery, the world of music opens up endless possibilities. Whether you find solace in the calming notes of a bamboo flute, unleash emotions through the rhythmic beats of a djembe, or explore the dulcet tones of a dulcimer, each instrument holds the key to unlocking different aspects of your well-being. By incorporating these beginner-friendly instruments into your life, you not only embark on a musical adventure but also embrace a therapeutic journey towards relaxation, self-expression, and cognitive enrichment. Begin your musical exploration today and let the harmonies resonate with your mental health and well-being.
Written by Zach Farr
At Mewsic Moves we offer a FREE 15 minute consultation and provide virtual therapy sessions to make it more convenient for you. Click here to schedule your FREE Consultation, I will be honored to support you.
Harmonizing the Holidays: Exploring the Emotional Impacts of Holiday Music
While many Christmas songs are joyful and uplifting, some may contain themes or lyrics that could be perceived as less supportive for individuals dealing with mental health issues. The impact of a song can vary from person to person, and what may be triggering for one individual may not be for another. As a music therapist working in mental health care, the holidays can be very triggering to overall mental health and the music we are bombarded with can also contribute to overall mental health decline. Below are a few Christmas songs that, depending on personal sensitivities and/or mental wellness, could be perceived as less supportive or impact mental health decline:
Blue Christmas - by Elvis Presley
This song expresses feelings of loneliness and heartache during the holiday season, which may not be uplifting for someone already struggling with mental health challenges. It also has underlying messages of being alone or single at Christmas which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Please Come Home for Christmas - by Eagles
While a classic, this song portrays messages of separation and longing, potentially resonating with those who are missing loved ones or feeling isolated. This can also increase feelings of grief and sadness if someone has had a loss in their life in the past year or more.
I'll Be Home for Christmas - (Various Artists)
This song, while beautiful, may evoke feelings of sadness for those who are unable to be with their families during the holidays. In 2022, it was reported that 55% of Americans experienced loneliness during the holiday season.
Last Christmas - by Wham!
This song tells a story of heartbreak and disappointment, and its themes may not be supportive for those going through emotional difficulties such as a divorce, break up, isolation and more.
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - by Darlene Love
Similar to other songs on this list, this one conveys a sense of longing and separation during the holiday season which can contribute to elevated feelings of sadness and/or depression.
Same Old Lang Syne - by Dan Fogelberg
While not explicitly a Christmas song, it is often associated with the holiday season and tells a story of a chance meeting with an old flame. The themes of nostalgia and bittersweet memories may be challenging for some, especially when struggling with mental health conditions and remembering the times when “I felt happier” or “when I wasn’t depressed”, etc. Nostalgic songs are important when reflecting on being grateful for the positive feelings of the past but can also lead to grieving if not able to feel those same feelings in the present.
My Grown-Up Christmas List - (Various Artists):
This song reflects on wishes for a better world and personal growth. Depending on an individual's circumstances, the lyrics may be emotionally charged. At any moment, if we were to tune into the media, our world can seem somewhat hopeless or helpless and this can have a major impact on someone's mental health.
It's important to note that the impact of holiday music on mental health is highly subjective, and some individuals may find solace or connection in these songs. As a music therapist in mental health treatment I caution some of these songs if someone is struggling with mental health issues. I suggest that you be mindful of the songs and the underlying messages you are receiving and the impact on your mental health and wellness.
If you are struggling with the holidays, feeling overwhelmed or living with any mental health condition, please know that you are not alone and there is support for you and your loved ones. Please reach out to your support networks or contact a local mental health therapist that can help guide you and provide coping skills to get you through this holiday season.
What holiday songs can you add to the list that may impact overall mental wellness? We look forward to hearing from you.
At Mewsic Moves we offer a FREE 15 minute consultation and provide virtual therapy sessions to make it more convenient for you. Click here to schedule your FREE Consultation, I will be honored to support you.
Jingle Blues: Unpacking the Factors Behind Holiday Mental Health Decline
While Christmas and the holiday season is often associated with joy, celebration, and togetherness, it can also be a challenging time for many individuals who struggle with mental health conditions. In this article I’d like to outline several factors that contribute to the difficulties that many may face during the holiday season, regardless of your mental health!
Increased Expectations:
Societal pressures to participate in joyful celebrations can lead to heightened expectations. The pressure to meet these expectations often contribute to stress, anxiety and sometimes inadequacy.
Financial Stress:
The expectations of gift-giving and festivities often cause financial strain on families, especially parents. Families often over extend their credit to make sure their children have “the best of the holiday season”. Financial stress can be a significant source of anxiety and stress and often impacts overall mental well-being.
Family Dynamics:
Unlike Hallmark movies, spending time with family is not always joyful and can be challenging due to strained relationships, unresolved conflicts or the absence of loved ones. Family gatherings can bring up many emotions such as sadness, worry, frustration and even anger.
Isolation and Loneliness:
Not everyone has a supportive circle , friends or close family to spend the holidays with. This can bring on feelings of isolation and loneliness and can exacerbate feelings of solitude.
Grief and Loss:
For individuals who have experienced loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, or even a pet, the holidays can be a reminder of their absence and increase sadness or repeating the grieving process.Coping with grief during a time that emphasizes family and connection can be particularly challenging.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Some people experience a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter months when there is less natural sunlight. The combination of reduced sunlight, colder weather, and holiday-related stressors can contribute to mental health challenges.
Social Comparison:
Social media has been known to increase stress during the holiday season in comparison to others as a way of considering the “norm” in the way each celebrates the season. This often leads to feelings of inadequacy, dissatisfaction and more.
Overcommitment and Burnout:
The holiday season often involves a flurry of activities, parties, and responsibilities. We often want to be “people pleasers” and overcommit to these extra festivities during the holiday season. Overcommitment can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and a negative impact on our mental health.
Unrealistic Ideals:
Media platforms can create unrealistic ideals such as the “perfect holiday” or “connection with family and friends” and much more.
Families or individuals may feel pressure to achieve or attain an unrealistic sense of perfection in the season that often leads to disappointment, stress and mental health decline.
What’s most important is to recognize that everyone experiences the holiday season and traditions differently and what may appear as a joyful time for some may be a challenging time for others. For those that may be impacted more by the social pressure or expectations of the holiday season I recommend you focus on:
Practicing self-care
Set realistic goals and expectations
Reach out and seek support when needed
Prioritize your mental wellness
If you are struggling with some of these elements during the holiday season, first know that you are not alone and that there is help and support available. Make the holiday season work for you and for your mental health. Media and commercialization can add unwanted stress or expectations. I highly encourage you to make the holidays based on your values and what you ultimately can manage or handle wherever you are in your mental health. If you are overwhelmed, finding it hard to keep up or even not feeling the holiday “joy”, please reach out to your local therapists or support systems and put your mental health first.
We offer a FREE 15 minute consultation if you would like additional support during this challenging season. Click here to schedule your FREE consultation.