Did you know that looking at paintings, photography and sculpture is proven to be beneficial to our mental health and reduces stress and anxiety?
We are all born with an innate desire to express ourselves and it is well established that creativity can aid recovery and decrease stress and anxiety levels at work and at home, making us happier, healthier people.
Apparently the parts of our brain associated with contemplation and the experience of pleasure and reward are automatically sparked when viewing works of art and as a result can also reduce our stress and anxiety levels.
Take time to contemplate
Next time you are at The Clinic or near to an art gallery, I would encourage you to stand quietly in front of a painting or drawing for a while and give yourself a natural, stress free boost.
Don’t worry about whether or not you connect with the work; we are all hard wired to process art even when we’re not thinking about it critically and why not? After all, unlike maths there is no one correct answer, so you the viewer will automatically become a creative thinker.
Relieve stress and give love a chance
Out of the box, creative thinking involves getting both sides of the brain communicating with each other and this apparently stimulates the brain to grow new neurons which assists cognitive function.
Now for the best bit!! Brain scans have revealed that looking at works of art triggers a surge of dopamine into the same area of the brain that registers romantic love!
by Pablo Picasso
So to relieve stress and anxiety naturally try taking a lunchtime tranquillity tour in your local gallery, museum or here at The Clinic at Borde Hill. It should send you back to work rejuvenated and relaxed, feeling mentally clear and calm, with an inner smile, better brain activity and much less stress.
