March to the Beat of Your Own Drum

My two small toddlers adore playing the drums (or tables, chairs, any flat surface really). I recently took them to a drum circle for families. They had a great time, and both during and after the event, I was shocked at how well I felt. All that drumming, especially with others, turns out to be advantageous in a variety of ways.

Music has a positive impact on one’s mental and emotional well-being. Drumming has lately been examined for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Drum circles are becoming increasingly popular, and group drumming in particular appears to be beneficial to mental and physical health. Drumming had a positive effect on mental health, with participants reporting decreased depression and anxiety.

Inflammation and mental health have been connected in studies. Inflammation is the body’s reaction to foreign invaders such as viruses or bacteria, as well as potentially harmful elements such as stress. In a procedure that may be compared to “calling up the soldiers,” white blood cells and unique chemical messengers in the immune system help safeguard the body. Inflammation results from the greater protection. The anti-inflammatory chemical messengers turn off their response when more protection is no longer required. The entire process is usually brief. However, if inflammation persists for an extended period of time, it can have a detrimental impact on the body and mood, leading to despair and anxiety.

The link between drumming and physical and mental health is complicated, but it appears that the advantages are due in part to this effect on the immune system. After participating in a group drumming practise, chemical messengers that cause inflammation are lowered, while anti-inflammatory messengers are elevated. Drumming’s creative nature and shared experience may explain these chemical changes; music has been demonstrated to lower stress-related nervous system activity. So gather your pals, fire up the drums, and let loose!