Four Ways Learning an Instrument Is Good for You

It's never too late to learn a new instrument. Here are four ways playing music can have a positive impact:

Emotional benefits. Studies have found it can make you more creative, more confident, and more patient. Kids with ADHD are sometimes encouraged to play an instrument to help focus their energy.
Physical benefits. Your hand-eye coordination gets better. And if you're over 60, playing an instrument can help keep the neural circuits in your brain working, so they don't waste away. Which can help protect you against Alzheimer's.
Social benefits. Especially if it's an instrument like the guitar that's easy to carry around, so you can bring it camping or to a party. Playing music with other people also boosts levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin, which promotes social bonding.
Health benefits. It relieves stress, which is the root cause of a lot of health issues. And a study at the University of Utah's Pain Research Center found you can get so absorbed in playing an instrument, it even works as a painkiller.