According to research by the New Economics Foundation, there are five key ways to wellbeing:
- Connect
- Be active
- Take notice
- Keep learning
- Give
So how can music fit into this framework?
Connect
Through community music-making in choirs, bands and orchestras, or meeting people at concerts or gigs, music allows us to connect and build relationships through shared interests. These connections are important as they can provide a sense of self-worth and value.
Why not try... joining a local music group? If you are based in the UK, you can find groups in your area through organisations such as Making Music, council websites and newsletters, or via social media networks and groups.
Be active
Activities like singing incorporate gentle movement, activating core muscle groups and regulating our breathing, which reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.
Why not try... some of these warmup exercises from Eat Sleep Sing by Stacey DeLooze?
Take notice
Music-making or watching live music can be a time to put down our phones and enter a state of intense focus on the present and a heightened awareness of sounds in our environment.
Why not try... this mindfulness exercise taken from The Mindful Pianist by Mark Tanner. This is designed for pianists, but the principles can be adapted to any instrument!
Keep learning
Research shows that learning new skills develops confidence and gives a sense of purpose. Learning an instrument can give us a sense of achievement and progress.
Why not try... picking up a new instrument! Pam Wedgwood’s 'It's never too late to play...' series is perfect for adult learners looking to try something new.
Give
Acts of giving and kindness have been shown to improve wellbeing. Bringing music to your community through volunteering can have a butterfly effect of positive impacts, both in the community and for individual wellbeing.
Why not try... volunteering for musical charities such as Sing Inside or with a local care home or school.