Art Is Good For You

facebook.com/pleinairmagazine twitter.com/pleinairmag Instagram.com/pleinairmag A growing body of evidence proves something the readers of this magazine have long understood: Art makes us feel better. Whether we're making it or simply looking at it, art can transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones, and endorphins. In response, doctors, social workers, and other public health practitioners have started to prescribe art experiences as part of treating a wide array of conditions, including obesity, heart disease, chronic pain, dementia, Parkinson's disease, loneliness, and depression. “Art opens the closets, airs out the cellars and attics. It brings healing.” — Julia Cameron One study showed that making art of any kind for just 45 minutes lowered the stress hormone cortisol by as much as 25 percent. Other research suggests that…