"Instead of denying ourselves pleasures, suggests a new batch of books, a more successful route may be adding to them nourishing our minds and souls by making creativity as much a daily habit as eating vegetables and exercising. Rather than the familiar exhortations to stop drinking, diet, take up yoga or running, there is an overwhelming body of evidence to suggest that joining a choir, going to an art gallery or learning to dance should be added to the new year list."
"One study found that people who engaged regularly with the arts had a 31% lower risk of dying at any point during the follow-up period, even when confounding socioeconomic, demographic and health factors were taken into account. Studies also show that visiting museums and attending live music events can make people physiologically younger, and a monthly cultural activity almost halves our chances of depression."
Creativity should become a daily habit alongside eating vegetables and exercising. Participating in the arts — joining choirs, visiting galleries, dancing or learning new creative skills — supports happier, healthier and longer lives. Regular engagement with arts is associated with a 31% lower risk of death even after accounting for socioeconomic and health factors. Museum visits and live music can make people physiologically younger, and monthly cultural activity nearly halves the risk of depression. Cultural funding has been cut and arts education eroded in the UK. Practical companions and artist-led advice promote daily creative routines and prompts.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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