Your New Rhythm: Breaking Bad Habits by Drumming

Habits can be good or bad, beneficial or destructive, and all have one thing in common: they’re a rhythm in our lives. When confronted with a bad habit, the overwhelming nature of breaking it can be enough to just keep on with the unhealthy behavior. From smoking to nail-biting to self-doubt, the bad habits only get worse if they aren’t changed. However, by swapping these bad habits for the pursuit of drumming, not only can a person be healthy again, but, can even begin to outshine the habits that once held them hostage.

Drumming offers a lot of benefits to a person, helping to relieve stress and depression while encouraging exercise and creativity. Many drummers actually began drumming as a way to keep their minds off of problems, or to have an activity that was personal and offered milestones for achievement. Because drumming is about building endurance and skills, projecting the creative self and having fun, it can easily become a new habit to replace something much less healthy. The only question is how to replace the bad habit with the awesome power of drumming!

1. Believe you can do it. Even if you can’t play a drum perfectly the first time, you’ll get it if you stick to it.
2. Set a deadline. Pick a date to not only drop the bad habit, but, also use that date to plan the “mastery” of some part of drumming. Whether it’s a finger roll or the memorization of the backbeat in your favorite song, give yourself a date to focus on, and build in milestones to help track your progress.
3. Don’t get discouraged. Everyone’s motivation ebbs and flows, and you’re not only starting a new habit, but, giving up an old one. Even if you slip up, get back into the groove with both goals, and be proud of how far you’ve come.
4. Keep a journal. Or, grab a friend as an accountability partner. Quitting a bad habit requires support, while, it’s always more fun to drum with others. Combine them both, and make note of how you feel during the process.

While drumming may not be the answer to kicking everyone’s bad habits, it can certainly be a motivating factor and a focus for those ready to make changes. Drumming is more than just a new hobby, it has proven benefits for the mind and body that make it a healthy replacement for all those bad things we do each day. Pick up a drum, and put away those bad habits and negative thoughts. You’ll be surprised at where that rhythm can take you.