Arts & Wellbeing
Whether through dance, music, painting, or theatre, the evidence is clear: participating in creative activities can greatly enhance our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The arts offer a holistic approach to health that complements medical treatments. As we move forward, integrating the arts into public health strategies could help create healthier, more connected communities. The performing arts are not just for entertainment—they can be powerful tools for improving health and wellbeing for everyone.
The integration of arts and health has become an increasingly prominent area of focus in recent years, with the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledging wellbeing as a key component of overall health. This emerging field of arts and wellbeing explores the potential of various art forms—like music, dance, and visual arts—to promote health outcomes and enhance general wellbeing.
Throughout history, performing arts have been more than mere entertainment—they have played a significant role in promoting individual and community wellbeing. Recognized for their ability to improve quality of life, the connection between the arts and health is not new but is gaining renewed interest as a complementary or alternative approach to conventional biomedical practices.
It’s not just a recent discovery. Throughout history, the arts have always played an important role in our lives. From ancient civilizations to modern society, performing arts like dance and music weren’t just about entertainment—they were about connecting with others, expressing emotions, and even healing. In fact, the link between the arts and health has been around for centuries, but it’s only in recent years that we’ve started to recognize its full potential as a complementary or alternative approach to traditional medicine.
One of the most powerful art forms when it comes to health is dance. It’s a joyful expression that offers a treasure trove of benefits. Dance is a full-body workout that improves balance, strength, and flexibility, all of which are important as we age. It also boosts confidence and increases fitness levels. Dance sharpens memory and focus, reduces anxiety, and fosters a sense of belonging. Each step taken on the dance floor brings with it a wave of positivity that resonates deeply within.
Then there’s the soothing power of music and singing. Singing strengthens respiratory muscles and increases oxygen levels in the body. It enhances cognitive abilities, helping with memory and verbal fluency. Music can have a profound impact on mental health. It has been shown to reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, all while promoting social connection. The joy of singing together can melt away feelings of loneliness and anxiety, creating a warm sense of connection among those present.
Performing arts aren’t just about movement and sound- they also include visual art forms like painting and sculpture. Getting involved in visual arts has been linked to numerous health benefits. It’s been shown that participants find that engaging in these activities not only reduces chronic pain but also boosts their overall happiness. As they learn new skills and express themselves through art, feelings of loneliness fade away, replaced by a sense of accomplishment and joy.
Though not as widely studied as other forms of art, drama and theatre can also have significant health benefits. Participating in theatre—whether through acting, improv, or just watching a play—has been shown to improve emotional wellbeing, build stronger social relationships, and boost self-confidence. It provides an opportunity for personal growth and a sense of belonging within a community.
As we step back to see the bigger picture, we realize that engaging in the arts is intricately linked to social determinants of health. The arts help build community, encourage healthy habits, and manage stress. They also combat social isolation, bringing people together in meaningful ways. Performing arts programs can be delivered in familiar spaces, making them accessible and cost-effective. They offer a unique opportunity for people to take charge of their health and wellbeing while relieving some of the burden on traditional healthcare systems.
Whether through dance, music, painting, or theatre, the evidence is clear: participating in creative activities can greatly enhance our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The arts offer a holistic approach to health that complements medical treatments. As we move forward, integrating the arts into public health strategies could help create healthier, more connected communities. The performing arts are not just for entertainment—they can be powerful tools for improving health and wellbeing for everyone. So why not explore your creative side and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you?
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MMI, Medical Musician Initiative
Music and Healing Across Cultures
Your Brain on Music: A popular class breaks down how our brains respond to music
American Music Therapy Association
The World Health Organization (WHO)
British Association for Music Therapy
