Olivia Jordan

Moments to Breathe: Music, Art, and Sports for Mental Health

My friends often tell me that I am calm. It may not be completely true because I feel a wide range of emotions. Sometimes I am happy, sometimes excited, and sometimes anxious. But I have noticed that certain activities help me manage my emotions and stay grounded.

Music and art are my go-to rescue when I feel nervous, like before a competition or an important exam. Listening to music draws me into a quiet space where nothing else exists but the sound. Drawing has a similar effect. Sketching quietly while observing my surroundings, translating thoughts into lines and shapes, feels like organizing the noise in my mind. Sports work in a different, but equally powerful way. I notice that after practice, even when my thoughts feel restless or tense beforehand, I feel more centered.

I have a dear friend who has been struggling with mental health issues. I didn’t realize it until one day she was crying on the phone. Mental health is often invisible. We do not always see the weight someone carries, the quiet battles that unfold behind a smile, a calm appearance, or even a happy façade.

I notice the ways music, art, and sports shape my thoughts, ease my anxiety, and bring focus when I feel unsettled. They offer ways to manage stress, to reflect, and to connect with myself. They are small, deliberate spaces that remind me I am not only capable of growth but of caring for my own mind.

Sometimes I wonder: how can I share this with others? How can I help create moments where someone else can experience the same quiet relief, the same space to breathe and feel supported?

Mental health struggles are complex, and sometimes they require professional help, therapy, or support from others. Yet activities like music, drawing, and sports can provide a way to breathe, to focus, and to feel present. They are not a cure, but they create space for reflection, peace, and small victories.

Perhaps one day, I will find answers through volunteering, teaching, or simply being present for others. For now, the question stays with me, quietly guiding my next steps.