5 ways that music can help on ‘the most depressing day of the year’
Blue Monday happens to be the ‘most depressing day of the year’ and occurs on the third Monday of every January. Returning to work after the festive period, cold dark mornings, and nights and still a week away from payday all contribute to many of us feeling blue.
It’s been a tough time over the last 18 months. Government statistics have shown that the number of adults over the age of 18 suffering from psychological distress rose by almost a third following the first national lockdown in March 2020. This year Blue Monday falls onto the 17th of January, that’s why leading music insurer musicGuard is encouraging all music lovers to pick up their instrument or blast their favourite music genre and give themselves a much-needed mood lift.
musicGuard, who has been a leading UK musical instrument insurer for 20 years has taken this opportunity to explore the benefits of music on body and mind and help people overcome their mental health issues.
According to Mind, 1 in 4 people in England experiences some mental health problems every year. Playing music provides a mood boost, and can help to stave off depression, anxiety, and negative thoughts. It can reduce stress and improve confidence, giving a sense of purpose.
In addition, learning to play music is great for overall brain development. It can train your brain, improve your memory, and help to build connections using your senses and motor movements. Studies have shown that playing an instrument maintains speedy neural responses.
As we age, our brain connections start to slow down. Conditions like Alzheimer's are a concern, and slower responses can lead to a risk of injury. Playing music can slow down this natural brain degradation and is valuable even for older people.
Whether you're seeking to improve mental or physical health, it's clear that playing music can help. Head of Marketing at musicGuard, Alex Bennett said: “Lots of us feel glum at the start of a new year and it’s only natural that we might want a helping hand. Luckily, music can be just the help we need.”
Sometimes, picking up an instrument or jotting down a few lines of a new song can really help put us at ease.” Bennett added.
To avoid the blues on this year’s Blue Monday, musicGuard has put together several physical and mental health benefits of music.
You can find out more here:
https://www.musicguard.co.uk/blue-monday-music
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