Mindfulness is the process of becoming fully aware of the present moment. It’s about becoming fully aware of thoughts, feelings, and actions, and using them to stay calm and focused on where you are. 

While how well mindfulness impacts a person’s health is still out for question, studies show that it does have impact with everything from anxiety and depression, to post traumatic stress disorder. 

When people think mindfulness, they usually think of meditation. But increasing evidence suggests that playing the piano can have a similar effect. Playing the piano offers proven benefits that more people are paying attention to – both physical, mental, social, and emotional impact. 

Physically, when you play the piano, it can have therapeutic results. While you play, anxiety, heart rate, blood pressure, and even immune responses decrease right along with it. 

Mentally, playing the piano may increase your thinking ability. A study conducted by one researcher showed that when kids were active in different after school activities, those who were given piano lessons saw the largest increase in IQ. 

Socially, piano gives you more focus and perseverance. Playing the piano takes time and effort. It’s not something you’ll accomplish in a matter of weeks; it’s a lifetime endeavor. It takes practice and patience, and makes you a better team player. 

Emotionally, playing the piano increases your listening skills. When you play, you listen for distinct differences in tone, speed, even quality of the music. This transfers over to both voice and body language of the people around you. Piano players make better listeners at reading different situations.

Want to give your child mindfulness early in life? Maybe it’s time to have them start playing the piano.