As we continue to experience the effects of social distancing on our daily lives, we often need a "change of pace" from our daily routine. One way to get a break from what can be very stressful is to take a music break! Maybe you've been studying an instrument for years, or maybe it's been in the closet for years. There is no better time to get that instrument out and make music! It will help you reduce stress gain focus!
The Effect of Music on the Human Stress Response
(Published online 2013 Aug 5. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070156) (link to article)
"Music listening has been suggested to beneficially impact health via stress-reducing effects. However, the existing literature presents itself with a limited number of investigations and with discrepancies in reported findings that may result from methodological shortcomings (e.g. small sample size, no valid stressor). It was the aim of the current study to address this gap in knowledge and overcome previous shortcomings by thoroughly examining music effects across endocrine, autonomic, cognitive, and emotional domains of the human stress response."