11 Surprising Health Benefits of Rhythm

Since the dawn of human civilization mankind has been drumming and dancing.

If you study indigenous cultures—from the past to the present—you'll easily find common threads of rhythm and movement interwoven into their way of life.

It’s truly fascinating to think about how in ancient times, despite countless cultures being separated by seas and continents—unable to communicate with one another and perhaps completely unaware of each other’s existence—they eventually integrated rhythm and movement into their lives.

Why is this?

I believe the explanation is simple: Rhythm and movement are an integral part of the human experience. Period.

And the mere fact that these drumming and dancing rituals have endured for thousands and thousands of years emphasizes the notion that something deeper is at work here. (More on that in just a moment.)

How rhythm has healed from the beginning of time

In my own experience, my propensity for rhythm started early...

Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve been fascinated with the profound influence rhythmic songs can have over my thoughts and emotions.

In fact, I vividly remember early summer mornings, just lounging on the family room couch, listening to my mom’s kitchen radio for hours.

I’d wait for the radio DJ to play songs with a good beat...

And when one came on, I couldn’t help myself from moving! I’d either air drum a solo as if I were John Bonham, or shoot up from the couch and dance around like James Brown. (And to this day, I still bust out an air drum solo every now and then…)

These days, whether I'm listening to percussion-heavy music or playing actual drums, rhythm never fails to do exactly what I need it to.

Depending on the tempo, rhythm can relax, focus and energize me… and sometimes, it can do all three at same time.

There’s something in the way you move…

I've had the honor of playing for audiences numbering in the tens of thousands. And nightly, I had the distinct privilege of witnessing people as rhythm moved and inspired them to relax, be joyful, and dance for hours.

After shows, I’d often talk to fans. And more times than I can count, people would often tell me how there was just something about the music that let them just completely let go of their troubles.

Something they couldn’t really put their finger on. Many likened it to a kind of catharsis… one that elevated them into a new awareness about themselves.

That something that they’re talking about is the deep, therapeutic effects of rhythm and movement.

Rhythm is in your blood—literally

In my most current role as an educator, I've witnessed thousands of people experience the very same type of catharsis after creating their own rhythms in the drumming workshops I facilitate. (You can check out my upcoming workshops here.)

What’s particularly exciting to me is that this cathartic experience knows no bounds. The vast majority of these participants aren't even “trained” musicians.

I’ve seen these types of benefits reveal themselves in folks across generations, and in all different types of people—like those with disabilities or people in addiction recovery.

So many people gravitate toward rhythm. But why?

For one, rhythm is used worldwide to help people express our connection with one another. It accompanies the songs and dances that so beautifully expresses our cultures, our traditions, and our emotions.

And despite the differences in the music itself, it’s a universal language loved by so many.

I guarantee if you look closely at your own family history, you’ll likely find that music has played a part in holding together the very fabric of your ancestor’s lives…

And for many of us, it’s only been a few generations since our families gathered to dance the dances of our homelands and sing the folk songs passed down over centuries.

In Western Pennsylvania where I live, you can still witness remnants of these traditions during the ethnic folk festivals during the summertime, or at a University of Pittsburgh African drum and dance performance, or one of the Native American powwows in Dorseyville.

No matter where your ancestors are from, if you look back far enough, you’ll find drumming and dancing.

Of course, as I mentioned earlier, they might look different from culture to culture but I invite you to consider the overarching similarities….

Specifically, how each culture’s music is interwoven with our stories and legends... and most importantly, our identities.

Stay in the loop! 

Start your journey with me right now and I’ll bring you all the latest news—plus helpful tips on using sound, music, and rhythm for your health and well being.

100% Free. Unsubscribe anytime. Regular member discounts.

Overcoming your inner critic

Today, we still see rhythm and dance in youth culture worldwide where you’ll find extraordinarily rhythmic music in dance clubs and large festival concerts where people gather to dance, sing, and feel connected.

And yet pervasively in Western culture, there still remains an attitude that if you aren't "good "at rhythm, or a graceful dancer that maybe you should just watch instead.

We’d rather not take the risk of being ridiculed.

This attitude is unfortunate, considering how it’s inadvertently led people to believe that rhythm and movement isn’t for them.

And to be frank, this attitude is a downright cultural tragedy. And it’s my feeling that it has done alot of damage.

In a way, I believe it’s contributed to the disintegration of a key part of our human experience: expressing oneself through music and dance.

The good news is that it’s never too late to start.

Unlocking the health benefits rhythm and movement

The health benefits of rhythm and movement are pretty profound.

They can:

• Activate your body’s internal healing systems.
• Alleviate stress and anxiety.
• Increase social skills and sense of connection (when in group settings).
• Boost production of the brain’s “happiness chemicals.”
• Decrease stress.
• Improve cardiovascular health (circulation, blood pressure, and heart rate).
• Increase mental focus.
• Lift depression.
• Promote longer, deeper sleep.
• Relieve pain.
• Strengthen cognitive health.

Here are a few ideas to get you going with tapping into the health benefits associated with movement and rhythm:

• Search sites like Facebook, Google, or Meetup.com for local drum circles, the get out and go!
• Try a beginner’s dance class. Most gyms or health clubs offer a combination of exercise or dance classes, like Zumba.
• Listen to rhythmic-centered music (like this bit from the Sun King Warriors and I).

Remember, the health benefits come from the act of doing the activity, not in the perfection of it.

Let yourself make mistakes and just have fun!

Participating in music and dance is your birthright.

It’s for everyone…and especially for you.

Be well, Jim

P.S. Explore the natural benefits from music, sound, and rhythm, by joining my Donovan Sound Healing Circle which gives you unlimited access to every single one of sound based wellness methods and courses for less than $9/mo! Simply click here to learn more or give it try today.

Why miss out on a single article when you can get them delivered straight to your inbox for free?

Start your journey with me right now and I’ll bring you all the latest news—plus helpful tips on using sound, music, and rhythm for your health and well being.

The material provided on this site is for educational purposes only and any recommendations are not intended to replace the advice of your physician. You are encouraged to seek advice from a competent medical professional regarding the applicability of any recommendations with regard to your symptoms or condition.

Copyright © 2021 by Blue Beat Media. Thank you for your interest in Jim Donovan. We do not allow republication of our full newsletters and articles. However, you can post a portion (no more than 90 words, 1-2 paragraphs) of our content with a live link back to our homepage, donovanhealth.com, or a link to the specific article you are quoting from.