Drumming For Stress Relief at School, Work and Home

A study led in 2005 published in the Medical Science Monitor proves that drumming can change a person’s response to stress on a genomic level. When given a choice between stressful behavior, leisurely activity and musical practice, it was determined that people who practice music in their spare time have genetic reversals to their stresses.

Following this logic, drumming is a healthy way to relax in more ways than one. The harder you play, the more aerobic your practicing becomes. Drumming can help lessen stress while burning calories.

Beating on a drum engages the right side of your brain, taking pressure off of an overtaxed left-brain. After a day of hard work, drums allow you to relax, giving yourself time to reboot before the next day’s labor.

Hand drumming is easy no matter what your experience level. One person begins as the drum leader, which encourages others to follow along. With each person working his or her own rhythm patterns, everyone is free to be creative. A drum circle creates a sense of community, with the group working together to make music.

Drum circles began in West Africa with cultural circles designed to bring the village together, but today, have evolved into a culturally unbiased mode of expression. There are drum circles for communities, conferences, corporate retreats, health and recreation, as well as the ethnically specific circles which continue today.

Drum circles are increasingly used as a therapeutic vehicle. A typical drum circle uses African djembe drums with goatskin drumheads. Because quality drums are made by hand, the slight variations from drum to drum will create different sounds when played. Creating music rather than chaos from these variations helps to produce a sense of synergy.

Corporate lawyers in suits and ties may not be the first group of people you think of when considering a drum circle, but today, hundreds of companies have begun looking into drum circles for stress relief and team building. In 2001, Toyota headquarters added a drum room to the building, complete with ashikos, djun-djuns and djembes, along with other instruments.

African drumming encourages confidence and team spirit, while inspiring your team to work harder. Drum circle companies can provide enough instruments to let everyone in your organization join your community.

Drum circles are great for college students. During finals season, consider bringing in a drum circle to reduce stress from rough schedules, finances and tough tests. The drumbeat will bring students together while having a good time.

Drumming affects the stress levels of everyone, no matter their ages, genders or ranks. For your next retreat, consider an African drum circle in order to bring your workers together and increase the satisfaction of your employees, as well as yourselves.

About the Author

X8 Drums is a premier destination for all things hand drums. Specializing in pristine quality djembe drums that are manufactured using legally certified timber that is environmentally sustainable, our staff is well trained at helping artists and hand drum enthusiasts fill their needs with the right gear.

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