Gallery Visits Linked to Healthier, Happier Lives

Quick Smiles:

• Visiting art galleries can help reduce stress and inflammation.
• King’s College London study finds viewing original art benefits the immune, endocrine, and autonomic systems.
• Cultural activities may add billions worth of wellbeing to the UK economy each year.

A recent study from King’s College London found that spending time viewing art in galleries can lower stress levels and support better health.

Volunteers who observed original artworks at the Courtauld Gallery experienced a 22% reduction in cortisol, the stress hormone, compared to just 8% for those who viewed reproductions elsewhere.

“Stress hormones and inflammatory markers like cortisol, IL-6 and TNF-alpha are linked to a wide range of health problems, from heart disease and diabetes to anxiety and depression,” said Dr Tony Woods, study leader.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels also dropped by around 30% for gallery visitors, indicating benefits for the body’s immune and autonomic systems.

“The most exciting outtake is that art had a positive impact on three different body systems – the immune, endocrine and autonomic systems – at the same time. This is a unique finding and something we were genuinely surprised to see,” Dr Woods added.

Regular engagement with the arts delivers real benefits, with a recent report estimating a boost of £8bn a year to the UK economy through improved wellbeing and productivity.

Growing research shows that embracing culture and creativity can be good for both mind and body, reminding us of the immune-boosting power of a great gallery visit.

Enjoy more uplifting stories, and consider letting your next outing lead you to a local gallery for a boost in both mood and health!

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