Yes, you read that correctly! Learning a musical instrument – whether it a flute, percussion, or voice – is about more than learning to read notes on a page. The process carries along with it many benefits for your physical and mental health. First of all, playing an instrument unites the right and left sides of the brain like no other activity as it activates your auditory, language and memory functions all at the same time. Singing, along with many other musical activities, also involves considerable breath control.

As in yoga, the deep breathing has a great calming effect on the body in addition to supplying oxygen to your cells. And, what’s more, mastering a skill and cultivating the discipline to progress as a musician creates positive habits and develops a sense of confidence that can benefit you in all areas of your life. So, if you’ve never tried it before – and even if you have – consider taking some music lessons or join a musical group for fun. You won’t regret it!