The older we get, the more experience we gain. But sometimes it is not enough to continue to experience joy and new emotions. And then we indulge in all serious: we decide to jump with a parachute or conquer Elbrus. And can a less traumatic activity, for example, music, help in this?
“Once, as an adult, I noticed that at the sounds of the piano, something in me freezes and I experience a purely childish delight,” 34-year-old Elena tells about her history of relationships with the instrument. — As a child, I did not sHow long interest in music, but my friends went to a music school in the piano class, and I saw them preparing for classes several times. I looked at them as if spellbound and thought that it was difficult, expensive, that it needed a special talent. But it turned out not. So far, I am just starting my “path in music”, but I am already satisfied with the result. Sometimes I get frustrated when my fingers get in the wrong place or play too slowly, but regularity helps a lot in the learning process: twenty minutes, but every day, gives more than a two-hour lesson once a week.
Is starting to do something new in adulthood a crisis or, conversely, an attempt to get out of it? Or neither? We are talking about this with a psychologist, a member of the Association for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy, the author of the book “Become Real!” Kirill Yakovlev:
“New hobbies in adulthood are often indeed one of the markers of an age crisis. But a crisis (from the Greek “decision”, “turning point”) is not always bad, the expert is sure. — Many begin to actively go in for sports, take care of their health, learn dancing, music or drawing. Others choose a different path — they start gambling, hanging out at youth clubs, getting tattoos, drinking alcohol. However, it is worth remembering that even beneficial changes in life can be evidence of unresolved problems. Many people do exactly that with their fears: they run away from them in the other direction – workaholism, hobbies, travel.”
Psychologies.ru: Does marital status influence the choice of a new occupation, or “family, children, mortgage” can extinguish any interest in the bud?
Kirill Yakovlev: Family relationships, of course, influence the choice of a new occupation, and most importantly, the ability to systematically devote time to it. In my practice, I often encounter situations when one partner, instead of supporting the other in a new endeavor (hobby for fishing, drawing, culinary master classes), on the contrary, begins to say: “Do you have anything else to do?”, “Better get a different job.» Such neglect of the needs of the chosen one negatively affects the couple and provokes a crisis in family relations. In such cases, it is better to share the partner’s interest, or at least not interfere with him. Another option is to try to add bright colors to your life yourself.
— What mechanisms are activated in our body when we start doing something new?
Everything new for our brain is always a challenge. When, instead of the usual things, we begin to load it with new experiences, this serves as an excellent stimulus for neurogenesis — the formation of new brain cells, neurons, building new neural connections. The more of this “new” there is, the more time the brain will be “forced” to be in shape. Learning foreign languages, drawing, dancing, music have an invaluable impact on its functions. Which in turn reduces the chances of early dementia and keeps our thinking clear until old age.
— Can music in general affect our mental state or even heal?
— Music definitely affects the mental state of a person. Positive or negative depends on its type. Classics, pleasant melodies or sounds of nature help to relieve stress. Other types of music (such as heavy metal) can increase stress. Lyrics full of aggression and desperation can provoke similar negative feelings, which is why it is so important to instill in children the “culture of music” from an early age.”
“If you don’t know where to start yet, understand what instrument your soul sings from,” Ekaterina emphasizes in turn. — I am sure that everyone can learn to play, especially with the help of a teacher. Don’t rush, be patient. When I started, I didn’t even know music. Strum constantly and non-stop. Give yourself time to learn new things. Enjoy what you are doing. And then the result will not keep you waiting.”