Lots of people find practicing a musical instrument relaxing.
Lots of people also find practicing a musical instrument anything but relaxing.
I believe there are two kinds of relaxing when it comes to this music business. Neither of them are the same kind of relaxing as watching a movie or taking an afternoon nap. It does require active participation.
The first sort of relaxing is finding the flow state of problem solving. Untangling musical puzzles. Finding new solutions. Enjoying the process. Celebrating every small step forward.
It's the same way some people find jigsaw puzzles relaxing. You wouldn't think fitting together 1,000 pieces into a picture would be relaxing.
But it is. Or at least it can be.
It's the thrill of the chase. The joy of each small victory. Seeing the big picture come together bit by bit.
The second kind of relaxing is enjoying the process of creation. We are allowed to make stuff up on our instruments, after all.
It's not just for the jazz people.
Pulling a groove out of the air like a magic trick. Playing a cool bass line. Making up melodies. Picking a key, and then changing it just because you feel like it.
It's like the musical version of the proverbial artist who flings paint at the wall. Maybe even throws herself at the wall while she's at it.
Practice doesn't always have to be about perseverance, resilience, patience, and all that serious stuff.
It can be relaxing, too.
Just make sure you pick the right version and don't mix them up.