Reduce Anxiety and Stress with Drumming
Did you know that drumming can help reduce anxiety and stress? Though this solution may seem really far out in left field, stick with me here and let me explain.
How stress can pile up
For entrepreneurs, creatives, and even some teens I’ve worked with, having too much on your plate is a major cause of stress. If your “To-do” list is a mile long, you may have a problem. Either you’ve taken on too much, you need a better system, or you haven’t asked for help. Or maybe you have a problem saying “No.”
If you’re feeling anxious, remember this: Worrying never changes anything. Never has and never will. What can you do instead? Tap out some beats!
Reducing stress one drumbeat at a time
You don’t need to be an expert drummer to use drumming for health and wellness! You just tap out some basic beats on a hand drum, drum pad, or even your lap or your desk. There are many benefits to drumming, as this article illustrates.
People who have attended my group drumming classes and events and private sessions always report that it feels like stress has melted off their bodies – even after just one session or event! I bring out hand drums like djembes (See photo below.) and teach them how to tap out easy beats and patterns. At the end of each session, we close out with a rockin’ tune!
You really can’t think about anything else when you’re drumming because you’re focusing on the beat and enjoying the experience. It calms your body and your brainwaves! Doing easy, repetitive beats can really get you in the zone, especially if you add deep breathing or affirmations. And the vibrations drumming produces feel great!
With any health and wellness or self-care practice, you have to do it on a consistent basis. Results don’t happen overnight. My advice?
1) Take a break. Step away from your laptop or phone.
2) Take a breath. A few deep breaths, not shallow ones.
3) Tap out some beats. Even just a few minutes a day can lower your blood pressure and your stress levels. Try some easy beats. This video can help you get started.
Care to give therapeutic drumming a try?
Most people have no idea how drumming can help them boost their mental and physical health. You have to experience it to get it. It really helps to work with a trained professional to maximize your results. If you’re local, I’ve got monthly classes for all ages that are either free or low-cost. I also do virtual and in-person events and private sessions.
Click here to schedule a call to find out more!
Here’s a testimonial from a recent session with a local entrepreneur:
“Let yourself be swept away by the joyful care of a drumming experience with Dori. Your analytical mind might say “You have got to be kidding” but ask her, she knows her science of sound and drumming. Very cool that she knows the beats to take all your stress and anxiety away.” ~ John Clarke, Sunshine Prosthetics, Mooresville. NC
