Four Ways Living With Art Can Change Your Life

Taking in some contemporary art has the power to change more than your walls. Looking at art provides you with the potential to de - stress and heal more quickly, and spending a few minutes experiencing fine art that resonates with you can positively impact the pleasure centers of your brain and change how you think. Visual art can also be a valuable tool for increasing productivity and your well being at work.  

Below are just four ways that living with art can bring positive change into our lives for the better 

1. Art Offers an Escape From the Everyday 

The next time you're feeling overwhelmed, take in some art to de - stress and inspire you. Idyllic tree - dotted landscapes and water scenes can be especially effective for encouraging relaxation.

2. Art Makes Good Medicine

Immersion in art can help you heal. The UK-based organization paintings in hospitals found that medical centers experienced an increase both staff satisfaction and patient health and happiness when contemporary art was introduced into the hospital environment. Studies showed that displaying original art in health centers also meant a shorter hospital stay and less medication for some patients.

3. Art Opens Your Heart and Feeds Your Mind 

Looking at art provides an opportunity to exercise critical thinking, experience a renewed self - awareness, and potentially even a deeper connection to others and their experiences, as we share what we feel and try to interpret what we see.

4. Working With Art Can Boost Productivity 

When you're designing your office space, adding some art can be a worthwhile investment. Based on research conducted by Dr. Craig Knight at the University of Exeter, Kirstie Brewer at The Guardian reported that people that worked in an "enriched" space decorated with art and plants worked nearly 15% faster than those who worked in more Spartan spaces, and had better health overall. If workers were “empowered,” by allowing them to have a say where the art was displayed in their workspace, their productivity boost was doubled to nearly 30%.