Neuroaesthetics book 'Your Brain on Art' links creativity to health

In "Your Brain on Art," authors Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen share findings indicating that participating in artistic activities for just forty-five minutes can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, irrespective of one's artistic abilities. Furthermore, they suggest that engaging in art once a month could potentially add a decade to one's life. The book posits that the arts—including painting, dancing, expressive writing, and architecture—are vital for human health rather than simply forms of entertainment. It examines how music enhances cognitive abilities, how vibrations from tuning forks alleviate stress, the therapeutic advantages of virtual reality, and how interactive installations break down barriers. Magsamen and Ross anticipate a cultural transformation where the arts provide accessible and effective health solutions for all.