Have you ever experienced the sense of delight that arises from engaging in cultural pursuits like music, visiting museums, participating in dance groups, or attending theater performances?
Engaging in artistic activities can wield significant and enduring impacts on health. It aids in shielding against various mental health issues, assists in handling mental distress, and aids in the process of recovery.
A research conducted in Australia found that people who participated in 100 or more hours per year of arts engagement (equivalent to two or more hours per week) reported significantly better mental well-being compared to those at other levels of engagement.
Art, encompassing visual arts, music, dance, literature, and various other expressive mediums, serves as a profound channel for self-expression and emotional release. It offers a non-verbal means to communicate and process complex feelings that words might fail to encapsulate.
The act of creating art stimulates the release of dopamine, often referred to as the brain’s "feel-good" neurotransmitter, fostering a sense of pleasure and reward. This neurochemical response contributes to reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Moreover, art promotes mindfulness and a state of flow, where individuals are fully immersed and absorbed in the creative process, transcending daily worries and thoughts. This absorption allows for a break from rumination, thereby alleviating symptoms of mental distress. It provides an avenue for self-discovery and exploration, enabling individuals to delve into their inner world, understand their emotions, and process their experiences.
In addition to its therapeutic benefits, art engenders a sense of community and connection. Art-based group activities or community projects can create a shared space where individuals feel understood, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of belonging. This communal engagement encourages social interaction, which is pivotal for mental health as it combats loneliness and promotes a sense of unity.
The appreciation and consumption of art are equally influential in nurturing mental health. Observing art—whether visiting galleries, listening to music, or reading literature—can evoke powerful emotional responses, sparking introspection, inspiration, and tranquility. This process of engaging with art can offer solace, enlightenment, and inspiration, influencing positive mental well-being.
In conclusion, the intricate link between art and mental health is undeniable. Whether through active creation, participation in art therapy, or passive engagement, art plays a pivotal role in fostering emotional resilience, self-expression, and psychological well-being. Its ability to transcend boundaries and serve as a universal language for human emotions makes it a powerful ally in the pursuit of mental wellness. Embracing art in its various forms can truly be a transformative journey toward a healthier mind and soul.
Are you keen on engaging in art activities? Visit us for our preview at Global Auction and take part in our online live auction on the 7th of November 2023 at 7 PM (JKT). This presents an excellent opportunity for you to enjoy a refined selection of artwork and, what's more, to own these pieces by participating in our online live auction.
Source:
Davies, C., Knuiman, M. & Rosenberg, M. The art of being mentally healthy: a study to quantify the relationship between recreational arts engagement and mental well-being in the general population. BMC Public Health 16, 15 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-2672-7
Mental Health Foundation. (2019). How arts can help improve your mental health. Mental Health Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/blogs/how-arts-can-help-improve-your-mental-health
University of the Arts London. (2021, November 1). How can art and creativity improve your health and wellbeing. University of the Arts London. https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/short-courses/stories/how-can-art-and-creativity-improve-your-health-and-wellbeing