Drumming made me feel lunny

[chris hansen]

Hello,

Sometimes I feel funny after drumming. Some times I would be real tired. Other times, like today, I felt some kind of uneasiness or anxiety in my stomach, almost like I wanted to cry. I also notice that my vision was alternately blurrier than normal and uncommonly sharp for short periods. It doesn't happen often and never after practicing something I find challenging or have to think about. It's always after working something repetitive that I'm comfortable with for an extended period. I've read that drumming can be therapeutic and that certain types of group drumming can boost the cancer fighting ability of the immune system, could there be something crazy like that going on? I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced anything like that or if you have any thoughts about it.

[afrocubarico]

Hey Chris,
It's funny that you mention this because at times I will feel a bit light-headed or off balance right after a practice session. Doesn't always happen but when it does it feels kinda weird. I think that maybe it has something to do with my breathing patterns during practicing, something of which I try to be more aware of since I noticed these after drumming effects.

afrocubarico

[Whopbamboom]

What are your stress levels on a daily basis?

What kind of additional stress do you feel when performing and you know that everything counts, vs. when you practice and it doesn't matter if you make mistakes?

Do you drink any energy drinks or eat sugary things before playing? What about your normal diet?

I guess I'm thinking that this is going to have to do with stress-related stuff, and/or adrenaline-related stuff.

[chris hansen]

What are your stress levels on a daily basis?

What kind of additional stress do you feel when performing and you know that everything counts, vs. when you practice and it doesn't matter if you make mistakes?

Do you drink any energy drinks or eat sugary things before playing? What about your normal diet?

I guess I'm thinking that this is going to have to do with stress-related stuff, and/or adrenaline-related stuff.

I don't actually perform, I'm still more of a beginner. I generally avoid energy drinks and sugary foods so I don't think that is affecting it. I think I might have some stress. Nothing I can put my finger on, just a vague feeling sometimes that my life isn't what I want it to be.

I've also noticed things while meditating. Not exactly the same but sometimes I'll get emotional and my vision might be noticeably sharper when I'm done. I'm pretty sure that's not diet or adrenaline related.

[Amber]

Hi Chris,

playing repetitive patterns for some period can indeed have meditation like effects and alter the state of consciousness a bit. That is normal, don't worry. Just stay relaxed, breath normally and enjoy.

Also you might want to have a look on this interesting article:

http://www.practising-in-flow.de/principles.html

Just my two cents..

:p Amber

[Congadelica]

Great Stuff Amber.
This is weird recently I mean the past month or 2 I have had these same feelings Of flow effortless playing ,yet sounds come through not ringy overtones but other tones of music ,m I have mainly heard these while playing at my Bateria smaba group.
but on a few occasions Ive had this at home practiceing on my own . Kind of a moment when you finish your session you wanna scream Yeah Man , I normally do im sure my neighbours must think im loosing the plot .

So yeah this must be a normal musical sound dimention that leaves you feeling good to the soul

marco

[vinnieL]

This is probably a similar effect to runners high

[Diceman]

Endorphins

[Congadelica]

As a bit of an athlete I understand the endorphine thing and the feelings i get after playing are not the same as endorphine . Its more a feeling of overwhelming happines , tears of joy moment . Im glad to know other people get these feelings .

[Diceman]

Haleluja,

Aint that just the reason we play music, brothers??
Cheapest, cleanest high I know, and it comes with withdrawal symptoms

suave

[Amber]

Hi,

its not endorphins, it is probably caused by the synchronisation of the both hemispheres of the brain. ( The english version of the article about " flow" is unfortunately shorter than the original one)

But anyway drumming makes happy and feeds the soul!

:p Amber

[Whopbamboom]

Isn't that what hypnosis is?

[Amber]

Hi,

you are right, but hypnosis is a passive form of trance, whereas "flow" is according to the author (and others) an active, creative form of a soft trance.

:p Amber

[jmdriscoll]

The complete focus of mind and body with your concentration honed to a laser like point for a hour or two straight.. Understandable how you might feel out of sorts when you come out of it. I have had similar feelings.. just feel a little weird sometimes after I'm done playing. Cool article Amber... hit's the nail on the head. Playing music has so many long term benefits!!

MD