The Health Benefits of Art
The meaning of Art is very personal and differs from person to person, and culture to culture. For some people, Art is a form of self-expression, a way to communicate emotions, thoughts, or experiences that words cannot fully describe. For others, Art is all about inspiration and beauty, and even healing.
Art is not just a way to express yourself, it’s a healing tool too. Every form of Art, from painting to music, can change pain into beauty, chaos into simplicity, and grief into strength.
Have you tried painting outside before?
What healing effect does Art have on our physical and mental well-being?
Let’s Start with the physical benefits of Art…
Viewing, creating or experiencing Art can lower your blood pressure, as it has a calming effect. It can also work as a distraction from chronic pain or physical discomfort.
It is a wonderful tool to improve your fine motor skills. Drawing or knitting for example, can improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
In my view, most of the healing effects of Art are on a mental level, which then impacts our physical health. Think of how stress is a big player in disease.
Art can reduce stress and anxiety as it is relaxing, calming, reduces cortisol levels (our stress hormone) and encourages mindfulness. This counts for both observing and creating art. Art can be a wonderful mood-improver as it releases dopamine, our feel-good hormone. For me, painting is one of the best ways to relax.
The Sculpture Park by Simon Gudgeon on Dorset’s River Frome.
Art encourages emotional expression, which is helpful in processing emotions. Art therapy is often used to help people deal with trauma or mental health issues by giving them a way to express emotions visually, without words, in a safe way. Colours, shapes and images can symbolise the feelings and memories that are too powerful to talk about.
Cognitive function is an important part of mental health, and Art has a positive effect on it in various ways. It improves memory through enhanced neuroplasticity (learning new art techniques, for instance) and stimulates creativity and critical thinking. I would also like to mention the human connection here as this is like medicine for the mind, as it heals and lifts us up. It provides emotional and mental resilience. Human connection and art are profoundly linked. Art has always been a wonderful tool for storytelling, emotional expression, and social connection.
Discussing or sharing art with others encourages bonding and deep conversations.
Looking at art from different cultures widens our understanding and appreciation of the diversity in our world. Art functions as a universal language that can express emotions and ideas across cultures without needing spoken language. Art unites people, giving a sense of belonging and a shared identity.
Do you experience positive health effects of Art?