Art as therapy

My mother in law is one of the only people left I know who buys magazines. I LOVE magazines! From Mizz and Just 17, through to Heat, Grazia, Elle and Red. I can chart my youth through my magazine consumption. However, nowadays they represent the luxury of peace, quiet and time, not things that tend to grace 'modern family life'. So, going up to my in-laws and being able to steal away with last month's Vogue, well, it is the best. 

'BEHOLDING ART PROMOTES EMPATHY AND SHIFTS THE BRAIN TOWARDS A STATE OF JOY'

Ooooh I thought, yes, read on! I've written before about the research that proved art to be good for your brain, development and mood, both in practice and in vision. So I was thrilled to read that neuroscientist, Dr Tara Stewart, in her recent book, The Signs, talks about the emerging understanding of how creativity and art affect the brain.

'Creative practice engages neural pathways, lowers cortisol, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reduces stress and anxiety, improves impulse control and builds resilience.'

WOW! I mean, I don't think there's anyone in the world that engages in a creative practice that doesn't innately understand that it has huge benefits to their wellbeing, but to have it written like that feels staggering in its power.

And it isn't just limited to the doing...

'Beholding art, meanwhile - whether it's watching theatre or ballet - helps us synchronise with others, promotes empathy and offers perspective. It shifts the brain towards and oxytocin state of joy and excitement.'

According to Dr Stewart, a study found that people who engage in the arts every few months, by visiting a gallery or going to the theatre, 'have a 30% lower risk of dying.' Someone needs to tell the biohacking bros, and I definitely need to read The Signs, it sounds right up my street.

Thank you Vogue for the article and my mother-in-law for pretending not to notice that I stole the magazine.

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