Engaging with art has a profound impact on your health and well-being.
In the hustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to underestimate the profound impact that art can have on our overall well-being. Studies provide compelling evidence that engaging with art doesn’t just offer a feast for the eyes; it nourishes our minds and bodies in ways we might not have fully appreciated.
Ever wondered why a beautiful painting or sculpture leaves you feeling uplifted? Well, it turns out that a study by UC Berkeley uncovered a fascinating link between art and our body’s inflammatory response. Art, it seems, has the magical ability to evoke positive emotions, reducing inflammatory proteins and promoting a healthier internal balance.
Digging into the realm of neuroaesthetics, researchers have peeled back the layers of how art influences our brain. Neurobiologist Professor Semir Zeki from the University College London found that staring at a particularly beautiful piece of art triggers the release of dopamine, the pleasure-inducing neurotransmitter.
The Telegraph adds another dimension, reporting that gazing at art can increase blood flow to the brain by up to 10% and provide as much joy as being head over heels in love.
Professor Zeki also highlighted the brain’s pleasure-related activity when we immerse ourselves in art. Whether it’s a landscape, a still life, an abstract masterpiece, or a captivating portrait, our brains light up with joy as we explore the depths of visual pleasure.
But the benefits go beyond mere pleasure. Art therapist Sarah Vollmann points out that numerous studies affirm the mood-boosting, stress-reducing, and wellness-enhancing effects of art. Even a brief encounter with online art exhibitions, as indicated by a study in Frontiers in Psychology, can lead to improvements in mood, anxiety, loneliness, and overall well-being.
So, the next time you find yourself captivated by a piece of artwork, recognize that it’s more than just aesthetics – you’re treating your mind and body to an amalgam of positive effects. Imagine the compounding impact that could have if you’re surrounded by such works every day, in your own home.
Artwork pictured at top of post: John Baldessari, Brain/Cloud (With Seascape and Palm Tree), 2009.
