The New Year's Resolution That Could Save Your Life: How Embracing Art Can Transform Your Health and Happiness
For years, we've been led to believe that the key to a healthier life is through running, yoga, or some other form of exercise. While these activities do have their benefits, the latest scientific research suggests that there may be another way to improve our mental and physical health: by embracing art.
Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities such as music, painting, or writing can have a profound impact on both our mood and our brain function. This is because art stimulates the same pleasure centers in the brain as eating, sex, or taking drugs, releasing hormones like dopamine that improve our mood and reduce stress.
But the benefits of art go beyond just personal happiness. Research has also found that engaging in creative activities can actually increase cognitive reserve, reducing the risk of dementia and age-related cognitive decline. This is because making music, writing, or painting requires engagement and practice, which can help build strong connections between brain cells and even increase grey matter volume.
In addition to its cognitive benefits, art has been shown to have a positive impact on our physical health as well. For example, taking up dance or other movement arts can lower blood pressure and improve immune function, while listening to music can boost athletic performance and reduce fatigue.
So how can you start incorporating more art into your life? Here are five evidence-based recommendations to get you started:
1. Find Your Creative Pick-Me-Up: Start by finding something that sparks joy and creativity in you - whether it's reading a book, singing in the shower, or practicing yoga. Make time for these activities each day, even if it's just 10-15 minutes.
2. Choose a New Creative Hobby: Look for an activity that aligns with your interests and goals, such as painting, playing the ukelele, or learning a new language. Set aside dedicated time to work on this hobby, whether it's 30 minutes a day or several hours a week.
3. Get to an Exhibition: Visit museums, galleries, and other art spaces regularly, taking your time to look at each piece without distraction. This will allow you to engage more fully with the artwork and explore different emotions and connections.
4. Use Rhythm to Enhance Your Exercise Routine: Listen to music that boosts your energy and motivation during exercise, whether it's a fast-paced workout playlist or calming ambient sounds. Research has shown that this can improve athletic performance, reduce fatigue, and even boost mood.
5. Indulge in Some Make-Believe: Don't be afraid to let go of inhibitions and engage in playful activities like acting, cosplay, or building with Legos. This can help build mental flexibility, creativity, and a sense of wonder - all essential for navigating life's challenges.
For years, we've been led to believe that the key to a healthier life is through running, yoga, or some other form of exercise. While these activities do have their benefits, the latest scientific research suggests that there may be another way to improve our mental and physical health: by embracing art.
Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities such as music, painting, or writing can have a profound impact on both our mood and our brain function. This is because art stimulates the same pleasure centers in the brain as eating, sex, or taking drugs, releasing hormones like dopamine that improve our mood and reduce stress.
But the benefits of art go beyond just personal happiness. Research has also found that engaging in creative activities can actually increase cognitive reserve, reducing the risk of dementia and age-related cognitive decline. This is because making music, writing, or painting requires engagement and practice, which can help build strong connections between brain cells and even increase grey matter volume.
In addition to its cognitive benefits, art has been shown to have a positive impact on our physical health as well. For example, taking up dance or other movement arts can lower blood pressure and improve immune function, while listening to music can boost athletic performance and reduce fatigue.
So how can you start incorporating more art into your life? Here are five evidence-based recommendations to get you started:
1. Find Your Creative Pick-Me-Up: Start by finding something that sparks joy and creativity in you - whether it's reading a book, singing in the shower, or practicing yoga. Make time for these activities each day, even if it's just 10-15 minutes.
2. Choose a New Creative Hobby: Look for an activity that aligns with your interests and goals, such as painting, playing the ukelele, or learning a new language. Set aside dedicated time to work on this hobby, whether it's 30 minutes a day or several hours a week.
3. Get to an Exhibition: Visit museums, galleries, and other art spaces regularly, taking your time to look at each piece without distraction. This will allow you to engage more fully with the artwork and explore different emotions and connections.
4. Use Rhythm to Enhance Your Exercise Routine: Listen to music that boosts your energy and motivation during exercise, whether it's a fast-paced workout playlist or calming ambient sounds. Research has shown that this can improve athletic performance, reduce fatigue, and even boost mood.
5. Indulge in Some Make-Believe: Don't be afraid to let go of inhibitions and engage in playful activities like acting, cosplay, or building with Legos. This can help build mental flexibility, creativity, and a sense of wonder - all essential for navigating life's challenges.
! I mean, think about it, we've been so focused on physical health for years, but what about our mental well-being? Art has always been a part of my life and I can honestly say it's changed everything for me. It's not just about creating something beautiful (although that's amazing too 
), it's about tapping into your creativity and releasing all those happy hormones 
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. So yeah, let's get creative and take care of ourselves in the best way possible 
!
, I'm so glad scientists finally figured this out! I've been saying it for years, my favorite hobby photography can totally transform your mood and brain function 
. And it's not just about taking pics, making art is all about self-expression and creativity, which is so good for mental health 
.
. It's like my brain just relaxes and I get lost in the moment, time just flies by 
. And I feel like it's really helped me build confidence too 
. My friends are all getting into dance classes now too, they're always talking about how great it is for stress relief and energy boosts 
.
. Who knew something as fun as making art could have so many benefits? 
I'm obsessed with this idea that art can literally save your life! Like, who needs a New Year's resolution to run more when you can spend 10-15 minutes in the shower singing your heart out like Ariana Grande? 
And the cognitive benefits? Mind. Blown.
I'm not surprised by this research at all. I mean, have you ever walked into an art museum or watched a beautiful sunset without feeling a little more at peace? For me, it's always been about how art can tap into something deeper in us - whether that's creativity, emotion, or just a sense of wonder.
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now that research is backing it up its like total vindication 
anyway im totally on board w the idea of making time for creative activities each day, even if its just 10-15 mins lol. i mean have you seen those apps thats supposed to help you find your creative vibe or something? idk how effective they'll be but i'm willing to try anything 
! Exercise is defo good but let's not forget about the importance of creativiti 
Plus, making music or movements can lower blood pressure 
. If you're feeling stuck try painting 
, playing an instrument 
or singing in the shower 
. It's all about finding what makes you happy 
and see how it transforms your life 
I'm so done with the idea that exercise is the only way to be healthy. It's like we've forgotten that art has been around for centuries and it's basically medicine in disguise! 
.