Art could save your life! Five creative ways to make 2026 happier, healthier and more hopeful
Engaging in creativity can reduce depression, improve immunity and delay ageing – all while you’re having fun
TL;DR
- Engaging in creative activities like singing, dancing, crafts, and reading can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Regular attendance at cultural events is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing depression, independent of socio-demographic factors.
- The arts activate pleasure and reward networks in the brain, fulfilling core psychological needs and improving mood regulation.
- Arts engagement provides an efficient brain workout, strengthening connectivity and increasing grey matter volume, potentially delaying cognitive decline and dementia.
- Creative activities positively impact physical health by improving respiratory strength, reducing blood pressure and glucose levels, and enhancing immune activity.
- Incorporating arts into life can extend 'healthspan' by reducing risks of chronic pain, physical impairments, and frailty.
- Recommendations for engaging with the arts include using music and books to boost mood, choosing a new creative hobby, attending exhibitions, using rhythm to enhance exercise, and embracing imaginative play.