Suzanne Wootton: Me, My Uke and I

Our very own Suzanne Wootton shares with us her love for the Ukulele and World Ukulele Day

On 2^nd February, ukulele bands from across Merseyside are coming together in Liverpool City Centre to mark the 8^th World Ukulele Day!!  A time to celebrate the ukulele and play together to rejoice the uke in all its glory!

Encouraged by my workplace Health@Work I joined the YinYan Ukulele Band and having learned to play the instrument, I am extremely excited for my first World Ukulele Day tomorrow with my band mates!

Not being musical at all, I would never have dreamed I would play the ukulele. Personally, learning to play this marvellous instrument has been the most exhilarating experience ever and has supported my total wellbeing. Learning to multi task playing chords, strumming and singing; a shared love with new friends, laughing at ourselves when we sing out of tune or hit a bum note! A new relationship with old classic songs noticing the lyrics and hidden messages behind them. Developing perseverance and of course, spreading joy and happiness to everyone we touch which is returned from our audiences who sing, clap along and smile!

“Life without playing music is inconceivable to me. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music…. I get most joy in life out of music” – Albert Einstein

The ukulele is small and easy to carry around, has four strings and therefore easier to learn than the guitar and …… it’s fun!

Music sessions are trending in the workplace, so how does playing the ukulele benefit employees during the working day?

• Promotes feelings of happiness and improves mood
• Relieves stress and reduces feelings of depression
• Improves blood flow and engages all areas of the brain tissues in exercise
• Improves memory and reading skills
• Develops organisational and time management skills
• Helps improves creativity, clarity and problem-solving skills
• Improves focus and concentration
• Builds confidence

All of which support motivation and productivity in the workplace!

If you would like to experience total health and wellbeing, I highly recommend the ukulele!  Seek tutors in your local area for further information.

If you are in Liverpool YinYan Band meet alternate Fridays at Avenue HQ,17 Mann Island and Thursdays at Tempest Building, Tithebarne Street. 12:30 – 13:30

Visit https://www.yinyan.co.uk/band/ for further information

If you would like health and wellbeing support for your organisation, please visit:

www.wellbeingcharter.org.uk

www.healthatworkcentre.org.uk