I have played piano for more than 40 years and over that time I have come to realize that for me playing the piano provides the best form of stress reduction in existence. It is the only activity that can completely transport my mind away from the world and into a new one. Whereas reading a book, watching a movie, or listening to a concert can provide entertainment value – these activities only ever temporarily distract you from the real world. On the other hand, playing the piano requires much greater concentration and can keep your brain focused for longer periods of time.
Playing the piano also has proven health benefits. I studied undergraduate and graduate level psychology where I learnt that chronic stress (any stress lasting more than a day) causes the inhibition of Telomerase release from the brain. Telomerase repairs the ends of all of your chromosomes in every cell in your body – without it you are at much greater risk of ageing, cancer, heart disease / cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and lower white blood cell count (a compromised immune system) along with other serious conditions. So by playing piano and reducing your stress levels you force your brain to release Telomerase, thereby physically repairing your body.
Last but not not least, the piano provides the best way for me to teach my daughters music. Both girls are attracted to the instrument and since 2013 I have been taking them to music classes where we can then recreate the music at home on the piano. As a parent, music not only provides the best way to connect with my children, it also provides an extremely powerful way to influence their mood and eliminate tantrums – at home, in a vehicle, and even out walking around.
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