The Science behind Art

How can art help us feel better ?

Studies have shown that expressing ourselves through art can help people physically and mentally. Do you recognize a feeling of joy that you get when taking part in cultural activities such as music, museums, dance groups and theater? Over the past decade, health psychologists have cautiously begun looking at how the arts might be used in a variety of ways to heal emotional injuries, increase understanding of oneself and others, reduce stress and anxiety, develop a capacity for self-reflection, reduce symptoms, and alter behaviors and thinking patterns.
 

The beneficial effects of creating aren't dependent on a person's skill or talents. It's the process, not the product. This site can provide you with many ideas that can help you through the process. I’m hoping you’ll find ideas that spark your interest in this site. You’ll also may be inspired to try something new and possibly find a hidden talent that can help you through your journey of life as it has helped me relieve my own anxiety. 

And you don't necessarily have to create something to experience the health benefits. Just simply enjoying positive and uplifting art can raise your serotonin level. You can start by scrolling through the art pieces in this site or scroll through the blog posts. 

Why Art? 

The idea that creative expression can make a powerful contribution to the healing process has been embraced in many different cultures. Throughout recorded history, people have used pictures, stories, and dance. NCBI. And according to a study from Harvard, creative activities can also relieve stress, aid communication, and help arrest cognitive decline.
 

What is Art? 

The arts include visual and performing arts, such as traditional craft, sculpture, digital art, text, dance, film, designing, literature, music, journals, singing, gardening and the culinary arts. The list goes on. Studies show that making art reduces stress, even if you kind of suck at it. 

Awe and Wonder Promote Healing?

Psychologist Dr. Dacher Keltner, of California University in Berkeley, said: “That awe, wonder and beauty promote healthier levels of cytokines suggests the things we do to experience these emotions – a walk in nature, losing oneself in music, beholding art – has a direct influence upon health and life expectancy.” 

The experience of viewing awe-inspiring art has a positive effect on the physical body and mental state. In an article on the University of Wisconsin Health website, psychologist Shilagh Mirgain, PhD was quoted as saying, “Awe has many important implications for our well-being.” Mirgain explained, “Experiencing awe can give us a sense of hope and provide a feeling of fulfillment.”