The Impact of Art on Health
Art can impact your health and the ability to heal yourself. According to the American Journal of Public Health, art activities showed to have impact on patients battling chronic illness and cancer, such as:
“Art filled occupational voids, distracted thoughts of illness”
“Improved well–being by decreasing negative emotions and increasing positive ones”
“Improved medical outcomes, trends toward reduced depression”
“Reductions in stress and anxiety; increases in positive emotions”
“Reductions in distress and negative emotions”
“Improvements in flow and spontaneity, expression of grief, positive identity, and social networks”
Creative activities can help people suffering from social isolation or homelessness. They can increase confidence, self-esteem and social skills. The arts provide inspiration and motivation for change as well as a positive channel for self-expression. It is particularly valuable for people who may struggle with more conventional forms of communication.
In longitudinal studies of older people, regular engagement with meaningful activities has been linked to greater life satisfaction and a healthier and longer life.
