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Creativity and health: Why doctors are paying attention

Creativity and health: Why doctors are paying attention

Did you know that creativity can boost your health and even extend your life? Find out how.
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Most of us have created art in some form at some point in our lives. Whether it was clumsily strumming a guitar, slapping paint on a canvas, or telling sweeping stories of fantastical adventures, our childhood creativity felt limitless. Unfortunately, many of us have abandoned our artistic endeavours in favour of the responsibilities of adulthood. But what if embracing our creative side or simply exposing ourselves to art could significantly benefit our health and even extend our lives?

An ever-growing body of research supports art and creativity as a form of medical treatment that doctors can prescribe to alleviate physical and mental health conditions and, ultimately, add years to our lives.

Art: A golden thread through history

Evidence shows that we have an enhanced sense of creativity as children, which declines significantly as we age. A well-known NASA study verified that 98% of youngsters are highly creative, while a mere 2% of adults retain their creativity.

Art as an expression of our creativity has been ever-present in the history of humankind. We see our creative heritage demonstrated in early human cave paintings. Artistic activities can influence our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones, and endorphins. Scientists have abandoned the outdated idea that art is a luxury reserved for the privileged few. It is, in fact, linked to our very survival as a species.

The longevity factor

Our dependence on art is more vital to our wellness than we may realise. Engaging in art practices can physically help us live longer. Exposing ourselves to human creativity, whether, for example, listening to a soulful piece of music or viewing a masterpiece on canvas, can also reap similar benefits.

Art has the remarkable potential to increase life expectancy due to its ability to protect us from age-related illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia.

Good health contender

Creating or enjoying art can benefit our health in several ways. According to author and neuroaesthetics expert Susan Magsamen, these powerful effects position art right up there with the other contenders for good health, including exercise, nutrition, and sleep.

Various physical conditions have been treated and managed effectively with creative activities or exposure to art:

  • Obesity
    Art therapy has been shown to boost the self-esteem of obese individuals.
  • Heart disease
    Listening to relaxing music has proven effective in reducing anxiety and, in turn, alleviating symptoms of heart disease.
  • Chronic pain
    Playing a musical instrument can relieve pain and improve mood. 
  • Parkinson’s disease
    Participating in frequent dance classes has been shown to slow down the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
  • Blood pressure
    Viewing artworks has been proven to relieve stress and, as a result, lower blood pressure. 

Improved mental health

Art also has the power to treat various mental health concerns, including:

  • Depression,
  • Anxiety,
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
  • Dementia,
  • Schizophrenia, and
  • Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr Tarisha Naidu, a Durban-based clinical psychologist and researcher, expresses how exposing patients in public hospitals to art profoundly impacts their mental well-being: “Art in a public mental health space is humanising... An exotic flower, rolling waves, or a cheeky giraffe, where least expected, may alleviate a child’s disturbing experience. Artistic expression can transport a world-beaten adult to a place of temporary solace.” 

The pursuit of artistic creation should not be limited to creatives’ strokes of genius or the innocent exploits of our little ones. It’s time we embrace this innate human passion and pick up that paintbrush, connect with our inner dancers (albeit in the living room), or listen to that tune we’ve been humming. Whether you engage in art as a spectator or creator, it might just be the key to staying healthy and adding a few more years to your life while you’re at it. 


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