STUDY REVEALS THAT LOOKING AT ART CAN IMPROVE HEALTH AND MENTAL WELLNESS

Art is and has historically been appreciated for the emotional response it produces. Researchers now have evidence that viewing original art not only elicits a wide range of emotions but also helps improve and repair long-term physical and mental health.

According to a recent King's College London study, viewing original artwork in galleries can reduce stress and enhance overall health. It is opening the door for art and wellness to coexist. These results have the potential to promote a longer lifespan and more life satisfaction, lessen loneliness and sadness, and better support our mental health.

Their method was straightforward: 50 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 40 went to The Courtauld Gallery in London to view original works of art by artists like Édouard Manet and Vincent van Gogh. Another group examined reproductions outside of a gallery. To assess skin temperature and heart rate, researchers affixed sensors. Additionally, samples of saliva were collected both before and after the excursion.

According to the findings, visitors to the gallery saw a 22% decrease in stress hormones, or cortisol levels, whereas the reproduction group only experienced an 8% decrease. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory cytokines decreased by 28% and 30%, respectively, suggesting a reduction in inflammation. 

Additionally, indicators of emotional engagement, like slight decreases in skin temperature, changes in heart-rate patterns, and an overall rise in heart rate during the gallery visit, imply that art has the dual ability to both relax and excite the body.

These results are linked to a lower risk of developing long-term illnesses like diabetes, anxiety, and heart disease. The researchers found that the advantages were true regardless of the viewer's level of emotional intelligence or art expertise. As such, the advantages are available to everyone. Even though there were improvements everywhere, the impact is greater when an original work of art is shown in a gallery. Therefore, know that your body is receiving proper care the next time you feel content or joyful while viewing a piece of art in a museum.