Day 20: Bells

Making Music

Photo by Saravana Sathish Settu on Unsplash

I come from a music background. I was in choir throughout school, competed in piano from an early age, and started college as a musical theatre major before switching to psychology and literature/creative writing. Even in adulthood I’ve continued in music, singing backup for Grammy award winning artists and in numerous philharmonic choruses. When I’m having a bad day, music helps me through.

I’m not alone in that. Research shows that music has benefits for mood, memory, and cognition. It eases stress, impacts cardio health, and gets you moving. Losing yourself in a piece of music can give you a sense of flow, which is an important factor in mindfulness. It’s even beneficial for children’s language development.

The holidays are filled with music—cultural, spiritual, whimsical, and classical. Incorporating music into your daily routine can be a simple yet effective way to improve your overall well-being. Whether it’s listening to a favorite playlist during a morning jog, playing an instrument, or singing in the shower, there are plenty of ways to make music a part of your life.

So take some time to seek out the sounds of the season. Go to a concert, or simply hum a tune while wrapping gifts. Let the power of music guide you towards a happier and healthier holiday season.

Below are some prompts and a challenge to bring music into your life this season…