Using Music as a Positive Outlet for Mental Health
The titled quote is from Hans Christian Anderson and has been very meaningful to me throughout the years, especially during trying times in my life. In this article I'll discuss how I've prioritized music in my life, how it's impacted my mental health, and suggest some acoustic guitars for people who may want to utilize the guitar as a positive outlet. Similarly, to other hobbies that I utilize to prioritize my mental health, this one might not apply directly to you, but the overarching principles will be the same. Think through hobbies or interests that relate best to you.
Music has the unique ability to speak to the soul in a way that words cannot. It can evoke deep emotions, provide comfort, and even serve as a form of therapy. For men, music can be a valuable outlet for positive mental health. I've personally been able to express a gamut of emotions while sitting in a chair, strumming a 6 string, and getting emersed in the tones, lyrics, and melodies of songs I'm singing or often writing. I've let out anger and sadness, and I've expressed joy. Music is a cornerstone in my life and always will be.
Today's world is fast paced and stressful at times. There have been times in my life where I've not picked up a guitar or sat at a piano for weeks and it's typically because I "got too busy." In those stretches of time, I've felt more stressed, less joy, and find myself getting frustrated with the people I care about most instead of enjoying the time I've got with them. For me, I've made a conscious effort to spend at least an hour a week playing my guitar. Oftentimes that turns into playing "Wheels on the Bus" for my youngest daughter or "The Cowboy Song" for my oldest but I still love it and embrace the chaos.
One of the least stigmatizing outlets for men to prioritize their mental health is learning to play an instrument. As a matter of fact, you can quickly become the centerpiece of a get together if you know how to sing a little and hammer out four cords. Just remember not to overdo it or you might not get invited back (I'm 40% kidding). There are tons of tools out there to take advantage of if you want to incorporate music into your life. I'd suggest starting with a simple acoustic guitar and learning to strum a couple of chord progressions. Those two things will open up a world of possibilities for you when it comes to what you can do musically. Best, and most importantly, of all music can provide an outlet to express and process your emotions. Playing it, creating it, or just listening to it intently can elevate your mood.
Product Recommendations
I'd like to suggest a few products that won't break the bank if you think you'd like to make strumming an acoustic part of your musical journey. Check out these five acoustic guitar options:
Yamaha FG800: This guitar has a solid spruce top and a mahogany back and sides, giving it a rich, warm sound. It's also durable and easy to play. The accessories pack with this guitar are helpful for anyone who's wanting to travel with their new instrument.
Fender CD-60S: This guitar has a spruce top and mahogany back and sides and features a comfortable "C"-shaped neck profile. It's an affordable option that delivers a great sound. This bundle also comes with an instructional DVD for beginners.
Seagull S6 Original: This guitar has a solid cedar top and wild cherry back and sides, which give it a warm, mellow tone. It also has a comfortable slim neck, making it easy to play. The bundle featured here also has the instructional DVD and comes with a tuner that can make sure you keep your guitar sounding tight!
Martin LX1E: This guitar is made with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It's one of the smaller options in this lineup but has a big sound. It also has pickups, so you'll be able to plug it into an amplifier. This bundle comes with a gig bag opposed to a hard case which makes it easy to toss on like a backpack and take to your first gig or to a friend's house for hours of entertainment.
Epiphone Songmaker Deluxe FT-100: This guitar is perfect for musicians of all levels. It features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a comfortable "D"-shaped neck profile, making it easy to play and producing a rich, full sound. I personally love the sunburst look on this one.
Find Your Metaphorical (Or Literal) Guitar
To wrap this up, music can be a powerful tool for men seeking to improve their mental health. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, picking up an acoustic guitar can be a rewarding and therapeutic way to engage with music. The options suggested can be great to get started without spending a ton of money which, believe me, you can definitely do on instruments! I'll add a link at the bottom that will allow you all to browse for yourself and see if anything different catches your eye! As always, the most important thing is to find your acoustic guitar metaphorically. I've used music for more than two decades as an outlet, but it might not be for you. Work to find out what you can best utilize as a healthy outlet. Thank you for reading. Like the blog, share it, hit the socials up, whatever you can do to spread the word and as always do something positive today for yourself and for the people around you.
John
About the Author:
John Lockman is passionate about promoting men's mental health. Having lost a family member to suicide at an early age, he is committed to raising awareness about the disproportionate number of men affected by this devastating issue. Through his own personal experiences and his website, www.thelockmanlounge.com, John hopes to help men think differently about how to prioritize their well-being and become more comfortable acknowledging and processing their feelings in a healthy way.
In addition to his passion for mental health advocacy, John also has almost two decades of experience in the business world. Most recently, he oversaw roughly 100 million dollars of annual revenue and was responsible for managing a team of 75 employees. In this role, John had a significant impact on customer service, profitability, employee retention, and marketplace growth. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, John is a seasoned professional with valuable insights to share.
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