Embracing fine art for well-being: the impact of art on our brains 

In the era of speed, your day might begin with a quick routine; you have to face the chaotic traffic in the city on your way to work and spend most of your day rushing to complete the infinite list of tasks in the office. Getting home feels heavenly, but the intrusive thoughts and constant worries begin once you try to relax. This happens because this kind of lifestyle is the main cause of chronic stress, and it can be hard to enjoy your days, as you might not have time to embrace your emotions. 

So, sometimes, the best thing we can do is just stop and take a break from the ordinary, pleasing our brains with beautiful creations that immerse us in a new world where we actually have the time to feel. Art is, in fact, the best way to practice mindfulness and train our brain that there is so much more about life to enjoy, as the talent of artists has the power to push us to embrace our deepest emotions. We can say that art is considered a therapeutic experience, strongly influencing our well-being. So, to understand this subject better, in this article, we are going to unveil the impact of art on our brains: 

Free Back View of a Woman Painting on White Textile Stock Photo

Photo from Pexels.com

Fine art drives emotions 

Fine art is for everyone. You don’t need a degree to understand and appreciate art; you just have to let yourself be driven by your emotions as you stop and observe. Fine art emphasizes aesthetics over functionality, focusing on providing the audience with a certain intellectual depth that transcends traditional pieces. Mostly, we don’t have time to let ourselves feel, but art has the power to help us expand our mental horizons, fostering deep emotions that can promote relaxation and mental clarity. The artist tries to express their ideas, vision, and a clear message to the world through the creation of masterpieces, providing the viewers with a pleasing visual experience and building a strong emotional connection, fostering specific feelings. The aspects that mostly impact our brains when looking at art are the colors, techniques, and shapes used to represent the object of the artwork. For instance, red could represent anger or passion, blue promotes relaxation or suggests a melancholic feeling, green suggests vitality, and black aims to enhance confidence. 

Being surrounded by art in your home 

The best way to connect with art is by bringing it into your home. In fact, being surrounded by art is a therapeutic experience that can help you make your house feel like home and create an environment for relaxation and mental clarity. For instance, online, you can find a wide range of fine art prints for sale, having the opportunity to explore the various styles and techniques of talented artists and find the pieces you resonate with most. You can hang art in every room to create your own gallery that can provide your visitors with a glimpse of your personality. According to experts, being surrounded by art enhances your well-being; it can boost productivity and imagination and promote a sense of belonging that can make you feel safe and understood. Art is also a great conversation starter because your visitors will most likely feel attracted to what they see, and they will ask questions about the pieces, so we can say that the artistic work also promotes social interaction. 

Fine art impacts cognitive abilities 

Fine art also has a significant impact on individuals’ cognitive abilities. For instance, it can enhance problem-solving skills, help people think outside the box, and inspire them to face challenges efficiently. Moreover, studies suggest that art engagement is a great way to reduce sedentary life, as it has the power to change lifestyle habits and encourage individuals to step outside with confidence. Science also tells us that fine art contributes to the development of coping mechanisms and behavior management. It boosts self-esteem and reduces stress, showing that it can also reduce an overall cognitive decline that comes with long-term effects. All in all, art can drive productivity, providing viewers with a clear mind and the courage to reshape their daily lives as they perceive the world around them with a new perspective that focuses on growth and self-development. 

Making art as a form of therapy 

Art therapy has gained so much popularity over the years. This concept points to the strong connection between mental health and art, pushing people to expand their mental horizons and gain a new perspective. Art-making helps people express themselves, trying to recognize and embrace the emotions that they will express on a piece of paper through shapes, colors, and various unique techniques. Therefore, people who engage in this process have the opportunity to discover their true selves and gain self-esteem with no fear of being judged. In fact, the best thing about art is that it is subjective, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. No matter if you have no actual talent, or you are an aspiring artist, making art is therapeutic, and it’s highly recommended for fighting mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, as it significantly reduces stress hormones, promoting a relaxing environment. Furthermore, art-making boosts cognitive abilities, developing the brain of children and preventing cognitive decline that is common due to aging. 

Does art actually have healing powers? 

Undoubtedly, art can contribute to healing your mind, keeping daily stress at bay and immersing you in a unique experience that transcends the ordinary. Even if you might not feel attracted to art, once you begin your engagement process, art will most likely become a consistent part of your life, as it pushes you to embrace new habits, a new vision and an overall positive perspective that slowly leads to happiness.