What is the connection between art and your health?

This is a huge topic and I thought it would helpful to at least scratch the surface and dig into some of the ongoing research.

Do you want more calm in your life? How about more focus?

There are many studies showing that both of these, can be realized by creating OR enjoying art. I find it so amazing that both the creation and consumption of art creates similar benefits. Let's remember that art can show up in so many forms: dancing, music, writing, painting, sculpting and the list goes on.

The effect of music on people with dementia or Alzheimer’s is so interesting. My mother-in-law has dementia, she is non-verbal and doesn’t recognize people, but when her children sing old songs to her, she will fill in the last word of each line. It’s remarkable, that our brain will respond to songs from our past when we can’t even recognize our loved ones. 

Science has shown that looking at beautiful artwork can actually cause you to experience the same physical reactions we get when we fall in love. A neurobiologist scanned the brains of volunteers while they looked at 28 works of art. He found when a person views art they find beautiful, it triggers an immediate release of dopamine into the brain, a chemical related to feelings of love, pleasure, and desire. How wonderful!

A study at UC Berkeley has found that art causes positive emotions, which reduces inflammatory proteins in the body. We have known for quite some time the value of art therapy as a natural way to treat anxiety and depression, but it's now known that viewing art can give the same benefits!

To wrap up this expansive topic, here is a new word for you: neuroaesthetics - it's the scientific study of the neural consequences of contemplating a creative work of art, such as the involvement of the prefrontal cortex (in thinking) and limbic systems (for emotions).

There is a new book that just came out called “Your Brain on Art: How  the Arts Transform Us” by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross I am going to order it, if any of you read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!

Now, go enjoy some form of art and you'll be all the better for it!