Blog

Benefits of Art for Healing

I have found that by incorporating more creative outlets from the stresses of life is very beneficial and relaxing. Those outlets can be from painting or writing. Looking at soothing art can give your brain a break, provide inspiration and promote healing. Either expressed on a wall or greeting card, art can bring a sense of calm to your day. That's the feeling I get when receiving a comforting card from a friend or loved one.

No matter what form of art, research shows the following healing benefits:

• Reduced levels of depression

• Increased self-esteem

• Reduced stress

• Reduced pain and anxiety

• Reduced length of hospital stays

• Improved memory and reasoning

So take the time to create, share, and invest in your well-being while helping others.

Veronica Nance-Mitchell

My Favorite Book Picks

Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transforms Us by Susan Magsamen, Ivy Ross, Random House, 2023.

The authors provide an authoritative guide as to what goes on in the brain when we experience art. They examine how the relation between art and neuroscience can promote health, healing, and build healthier communities. Their research shows how engaging in an art project for just forty-five minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol, no matter your skill level. This therapeutic benefit also applies to playing music and interactive exhibits which engages all the senses. The book covers how doctors are even prescribing museum visits to address loneliness, dementia, and many other issues. They further explore how design objects in a room can trigger an emotional response in a person. The authors delve into compelling research on the transformative impact of art and aesthetics on the mind and body.

Veronica Nance-Mitchell