3 Heightened brain function
If music is your creative outlet, here’s even more good news. Research shows that people who like to play instruments have better connectivity between the left and right parts of their brain, which can help to improve cognitive function.
For Bupa Global employee Graham, playing a musical instrument also provides mindful relaxation. “I really enjoy playing the acoustic guitar. There’s something very relaxing about sitting down, playing different chords and finger-picking patterns, and seeing where it takes me.
“I also love the feeling of the steel strings as I strum them and experimenting with the different sounds that I can create. Sometimes I’ll start forming ideas for a song, and a few lyrics will come into my head that might fit over the top. I could happily sit there for hours doing this, if I had the time,” he adds.
There’s evidence to suggest that music used as a form of therapy for people with dementia can help to reduce agitation and the need for medication. But if you’re keener on writing than music, try writing things down using the old-fashioned method of a pen and paper. This can help to boost your memory and learning.