10/10/2021
It’s Mental Health Day!
When you’re feeling down, what helps calm your mind and lift your mood? Meditation? Cooking? Exercise? Spending time with loved ones? Tucking into a good book? How about MAGIC?
Yep, you guessed it! Magic is fast-becoming a popular way to improve mental health in people of all ages.
Why is that you ask? Because it’s a great distraction, keeps your mind active, and, well, it’s downright fun and fulfilling. Especially the moment you nail that trick you’ve been practising, impressing your friends and family. *Happy dance*.
So, if you’ve landed here, you or someone you know may be having a bit of a tough time at the moment, and that’s ok.
Almost half of all Australians aged 16 to 85 years ( ~7.3 million people) will experience mental illness at some point in their life, according to the Department of Health. This covers a whole spectrum of conditions from anxiety, depression to substance abuse and more.
In this blog, we take you through all the amazing benefits magic can have for mental health and some personal stories shared by our magician Jon Fox.
HELLO HOBBY
To begin, it goes without saying, magic is such a fun hobby to take up. It’s a hobby you can start at any age, at any skill level, and carry with you for life.
“People always say to me, I wish I had a hobby I was as passionate about as yours,” Global Magic Shop director and magician Jon Fox said.
“And they’re right, it’s been amazing to have magic as a hobby for practically my whole life, but the part I don’t usually talk about is how it has helped my mental health.
“If I’m feeling down I always have magic to turn to, to get my mind off it. Magic has got me through a lot in my life. It’s something I can take with me wherever I go (even up to mine sites when I’m working FIFO).”
Australian Government resource Head to Health also recognises the importance of hobbies, such as magic, to help individuals unwind from the stresses of their day-to-day routine.
“Spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve your mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression. Activities that get you out and about can make you feel happier and more relaxed,” it stated.
Creativity is generally proven to improve wellbeing too and a hobby gives you something all for yourself, and a chance to indulge in some well-deserved “me-time”.
NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
Another great part of learning magic is its ability to keep your mind active and push aside any negative thoughts you may be having.
Instead of letting any feelings of overwhelm eat you up, magic can help redirect your focus and energy towards reading a magic book or watching a trick on YouTube, and then practising the trick yourself.
“Learning a trick requires a lot of focus, so naturally your mind will drift away from negative thoughts towards more positive, constructive ones,” Jon Fox said.
“To give an example, one of our customers came out of the military with PTSD and turned to magic to get him through.
“Magic honestly can have such powerful benefits. I know it myself, and I’ve seen its positive impact on friends and customers.”
MAGIC IMPROVES CONFIDENCE
Magic is also proven to improve confidence and self-worth (and is a real ice-breaker when you’re attending a social event).
“I’ve spoken to a lot of customers recently, who say they’ve always wanted to learn some card tricks to perform for friends at parties and events,” Jon Fox said.
“I promise you, it’s never too late to learn magic and at Global Magic Shop we have tricks to suit all ages and levels. That’s the beauty of it, there’s something for everyone.
“That moment when you learn a new trick and show it off for family and friends is such a confidence boost,” Jon Fox said.
Magic can also improve social skills, often requiring showmanship, presenting, and interaction with an audience.
“The skills learnt here are invaluable and really help with some of our customers that experience social anxiety,” Jon Fox said.
BEING PART OF A COMMUNITY
Last, but not least, entering magic opens up your world to a community of amazing, supportive people.
“When you’re in magic, you’ve got friends for life,” Jon Fox said.
“It’s such a kind, uplifting, supportive, global community. There’s Facebook groups, forums and membership associations you can join both online and in your local area.
“When you’re feeling down, the magic community has your back and are often friends you’ll have for life.
Over to you: Has magic helped with your mental health? We’d love for you to share your story below!
