In celebration of Black History Month, it seemed fitting to give some resources for audio, video, and works of art created by members of the Black and African American community throughout history. But first, How does this relate back to health and wellbeing?
In a nutshell: it comes down to Creativity. Humans are inherently social and we are inherently innovators and creators; for as long as we have existed, we have created (whether it be visual art, or story telling, or music, or theater) in order to communicate with and understand one another across generations. It turns out, creating and digesting works of art can also enhance brain function!
How Art Affects the Brain:
- Art Improves Learning
Art uses and fosters growth throughout many systems needed for learning and development, such as sensory, attentional, cognitive, emotional, and motor capacities.
- Art creates neural pathways
The neurons fired off when our brains process something profound stimulate a sense of inspiration. When you feel drawn into a work of art, it is called “Embodied Cognition.”
- Art increases blood flow to the brain
Especially with visual art, when we look at something we find stimulating, the areas of the brain related to pleasure are activated. Looking at art can increase blood flow to these parts of the brain by up to 10%!
- Art results in Awe; Awe results in positive psychological outcomes
No doubt you have experienced art in any form that you would consider “awe-inspiring”. Psychologist Shilagh Mirgain, PhD explains that experiencing “awe” increases feelings of hope and fulfillment.
- Art can build resiliency against brain damage
The more neural pathways created in your brain, the stronger your brain becomes. One peer-reviewed article (Zaidel, 2010) “suggests that artistic talent, skill and creativity are supported by wide brain areas, and are greatly resistant to brain damage.”
These are just a few ways that works of creativity can positively impact our brain health and wellbeing. With that in mind, we at GUADS encourage you to celebrate Black History Month and strengthen your brain by immersing yourself in the art, books, stories, music, movies, fashion, or any other creations you can think of from Black creators. Click HERE for a list to get you started!
Written by GUADS Staff Kate with contributions from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, healingpowerofart.org, and blackhistorymonth.gov
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