While consuming content can be a temporary distraction from our more difficult emotions, creating something can be a more effective way to deal with low mood. Scientific evidence also supports the idea that creating something when feeling sad can have numerous benefits for our emotional well-being. Engaging in our creativity on the days we feel low can have a positive impact on our emotional well-being and should be encouraged as a form of self-care.

There have been many studies conducted, examining the surprising benefits of listening to and playing music. Here’s what some studies have found about the benefits of learning an instrument.