The Effects of Drumming
“It’s interesting. I’ve known quite a few good athletes that can’t begin to play a beat on the drum set. Most team sport is about the smooth fluidity of hand-eye coordination and physical grace, where drumming is much more about splitting all those things up.”
-Neil Peart
Drumming is used for far more than just providing a beat to the music; it can also have a therapeutic effect on the body. This activity has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety as well as ease chronic pain and boost the immune system. As for why this happens there are a few interesting theories.
One theory is that the act of drumming provides a distraction from pain and grief. That paired with the fact that it can help produce endorphins (which can act as natural pain killers for the body) means that interacting with the beat of a song can be added to the list of therapeutic practices to help better the lives of people. The usefulness of drumming has not gone unnoticed.
Drum circles have existed for hundreds of years and have unique benefits. In a group, tapping, or clapping to a beat can cause others to be less self-focused and alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. They can also create a sense of connectedness with self and others and create a memorable experience.
If you’re feeling down or in need of a pick me up, then drumming may be the answer you’ve been looking for. Even just beating on a desk or tapping your foot can be useful in providing your mind and body with a unique stimulus for you to focus your energy on. Tapping to music is a very relaxing experience and helps pull your mind and body into the music. In a way, the beat of a sound is almost like the heartbeat of a song.