Embracing art could be key to an improved life, studies suggest. Engaging in creative activities has long been woven into human health and healing, with research pinpointing specific benefits. The arts have been proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress for all ages.
Neuroscience research reveals that when we engage in the arts, our brains activate pleasure and reward networks associated with food, sex, or drugs, while also fulfilling essential psychological needs like autonomy, control, and mastery. This emotional regulation enables us to cope better with life's stresses.
Furthermore, participating in arts builds cognitive reserve – the brain's resilience against cognitive decline – making it a powerful tool for mitigating dementia risk. Arts engagement improves immune activity, reduces inflammation, and enhances gene expression.
The key is to incorporate arts into daily life. Using music and books can boost mood by releasing dopamine during anticipation of joyous moments or tension in stories. We need just three to four seconds to form an emotional response to art; the more time we spend with it, the deeper our connection.
Five creative ways to make 2026 happier, healthier, and more hopeful are as follows:
1) Find your creative pick-me-up - music and books can provide a boost in mood by releasing dopamine during anticipation of joyous moments or tension in stories.
2) Choose a new hobby that fulfils psychological needs like autonomy, control, or mastery.
3) Get to an exhibition – looking at art for just a few minutes allows us to respond emotionally, while longer engagement enables deeper connection.
4) Use rhythm to enhance exercise routines – listening to music synchronises movements, breathing, and heart rates with the beat, boosting performance and efficiency.
5) Indulge in make-believe - embracing imagination can broaden our perspective on life by temporarily suspending social norms.
Neuroscience research reveals that when we engage in the arts, our brains activate pleasure and reward networks associated with food, sex, or drugs, while also fulfilling essential psychological needs like autonomy, control, and mastery. This emotional regulation enables us to cope better with life's stresses.
Furthermore, participating in arts builds cognitive reserve – the brain's resilience against cognitive decline – making it a powerful tool for mitigating dementia risk. Arts engagement improves immune activity, reduces inflammation, and enhances gene expression.
The key is to incorporate arts into daily life. Using music and books can boost mood by releasing dopamine during anticipation of joyous moments or tension in stories. We need just three to four seconds to form an emotional response to art; the more time we spend with it, the deeper our connection.
Five creative ways to make 2026 happier, healthier, and more hopeful are as follows:
1) Find your creative pick-me-up - music and books can provide a boost in mood by releasing dopamine during anticipation of joyous moments or tension in stories.
2) Choose a new hobby that fulfils psychological needs like autonomy, control, or mastery.
3) Get to an exhibition – looking at art for just a few minutes allows us to respond emotionally, while longer engagement enables deeper connection.
4) Use rhythm to enhance exercise routines – listening to music synchronises movements, breathing, and heart rates with the beat, boosting performance and efficiency.
5) Indulge in make-believe - embracing imagination can broaden our perspective on life by temporarily suspending social norms.
I've always believed that art has a way of healing our souls. Remember when you were younger and used to spend hours drawing or doodling? That feeling of being completely lost in the moment, just creating for the sake of it... it's like nothing else matters, right? 
). But honestly, who doesn't love getting lost in a good story or jamming out to their fave tunes?
its like, we're always connected to something or someone but never really disconnect 
. engaging in creative activities is literally the best way to unwind and recharge 
. i mean, think about it, when was the last time you picked up a paintbrush or strummed a guitar just for fun? 
its amazing how something as simple as art can bring us joy and calmness 
.
. who needs meditation or yoga when you can dance to your fave song or get lost in a good book? 
I'm not surprised we're being told to "find our creative pick-me-up" like we're all just a bunch of broken robots waiting for a mood-boosting fix 
. Newsflash: we've been finding our own creative pick-me-ups since, like, the dawn of time 
...just don't expect me to trade in my Netflix subscription for a paintbrush anytime soon 
.
! I mean, who wouldn't want to tap into those feel-good chemicals and boost their mood? For me, personally, making music is like meditation – it helps me unwind after a long day. And have you ever noticed how some songs just lift your spirits and make everything better? That's the magic of art, right there! 
As for trying new hobbies, I've been thinking about taking up painting... I mean, who knows, maybe I'll discover my hidden talent 
, the more time we spend with it, deeper connection 
!
. just find somethin u enjoy & stick w/ it lol.
The thing is, we've become so busy with our lives that we forget to make time for ourselves. My aunt used to say that art is the best way to clear your mind and just be present. I think she was right. You should really try some of those creative activities they mentioned - music, books, painting... whatever floats your boat! 
. I mean, who doesn't love art, right? It's like, we need more of that chill stuff in our lives. Engaging with arts isn't just for artists, it's for everyone! And I think what's cool is how it can help us cope with stress and anxiety. Like, have you ever played a game or watched a movie that just takes your mind off things? That's some serious emotional regulation going on 
.
. Anyway, I think these five tips are super helpful. Anyone have any favorite creative activities they'd recommend? 
Whether it's reading a book, jamming to music, or simply looking at art, every little bit counts! 
... why hasn't Facebook integrated art features already? Like a "create your own mood board" feature or even just a playlist generator for when you're feeling down 
. I mean, it's basically a no-brainer. They have like 20 billion users and they still don't prioritize our mental health 
. Can we get a Facebook "creativity corner" already? 
. if we can find that magic in creating something with our own hands, who knows what else we can tap into? maybe it's time for us all to get artsy 2026 is gonna be a bright year! 