Art is many things. It is visually captivating, thought-provoking and capable of inspiring a vast range of emotions. Surprisingly, it is also believed to incite mental, emotional and physical healing. Beyond simply helping people shift their focus away from stressful and counterproductive thoughts, the best works of art can help people find meaning in the challenges that they’re currently facing and in their past experience. Following are some of the impressive health benefits that art can provide.
Improved Medical Outcomes Through Reduced Depression
There is no denying the power of positive thinking when it comes to battling your way through a challenging and serious illness. Art is able to alleviate depression. This is accomplished through diversion or by distracting people from their illnesses. As depression abates, many people find themselves feeling more positive and proactive all-around. This in turn leads to actions and behaviors that are more conducive to recovery and the maintenance of good overall health. This is true whether people are experiencing art by viewing the latest exhibits in local museums or listening to street pianos in New York. Given its diverse range of forms, art can be found and appreciated in almost any environment and despite the many physical challenges that illness can present.
Stress And Anxiety Relief
Certain forms of art have their own inherent, calming qualities. People can meditate on or listen to these works for effective stress-relief. Unlike yoga, Pilates and other physical activities that are meant for alleviating stress, art does not require the spectator to have any superior, physical abilities. This makes it an effective therapeutic medium even for those whose illnesses or injuries have lead to compromised mobility.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Abilities
Beyond making people feel better and thus, paving the way for speedier recoveries, art also promotes enhanced problem-solving abilities. There are no correct answers in art and there is no singular, universal way for appreciating it. The malleable, flexible nature of art itself inspires a higher level of creative thinking, which in turn makes people better at devising solutions to issues that are negatively impacting their life qualities and their overall abilities. Understanding this, organizations like Sing for Hope work to provide increased opportunities for people to experience art in its many forms. Their goal is to expose those who are suffering from illness to artistic methods and works that promote wellness and healing.
With better problem-solving skills, less depression, and less stress and anxiety, people have a far better chance at improving their overall health. This makes art an excellent addition to multi-pronged and individualized recovery plans. Best of all, listening to, viewing and otherwise appreciating art is unlikely to cause any unpleasant side effects.