Why Art May Be Good for Your Brain (It’s Not Just Us Saying It)
No one’s winning awards for handling 21st-century stress with poise. Between work pressures, global uncertainty, and the existential weight of your inbox, it's no wonder mental health is finally becoming a bigger part of public conversation. According to the Mental Health Foundation, mental ill-health now accounts for over 20% of public health challenges, more than cancer and cardiovascular disease. Yet, we still treat it like a moody inconvenience instead of what it really is: a whole-body, whole-society issue.
And while therapy and medication are essential tools, another player is stepping up to lend a hand: art. Not just the complicated, highbrow, "what am I looking at?" kind, but soul-shaking creativity, in any of its forms.
Art and Mind: Two Terrible Things To Waste
Art isn't some fluffy pastime reserved for hobbyists and gallery-goers. It's a proven tool for improving mental health. There are reports that show making or experiencing art helps regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Creating something, even a misshapen ceramic mug, activates reward centers in the brain, giving you a hit of dopamine without the need for doomscrolling.
Art therapy is even used clinically to help patients manage trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression. According to the NIH’s guide on art and health, engaging in the arts promotes positive mental states, increases resilience, and can even reduce the need for certain medications in older adults.
And no, your finger painting doesn’t have to win awards. The process matters more than the result.
How Does It Work? (An Unboring Explanation)
Art works on multiple levels. Here are a few ways it sneaks into your nervous system and starts rearranging the furniture:
It helps externalize internal chaos. Struggling to say how you feel? Smear it onto canvas. Draw it. Dance it out. Artistic expression allows you to process emotions without words, a skill shown to be particularly helpful for children and trauma survivors.
It reintroduces joy and curiosity. When was the last time you did something just because it felt good? Not for productivity. Not for a side hustle. Just... good. Art offers a rare non-performative space for joy; that’s medicinal.
It creates connection. Whether it’s a community mural, a group songwriting session, or attending a gallery, the arts help reduce isolation. Art programs can help rebuild social connections, especially for older adults who face loneliness.
It encourages mindfulness. Ever lose track of time while sketching or painting? That’s a flow state, and it’s been linked to reduced anxiety and increased well-being.
Art for All, Not Just the Artsy
If you're picturing berets and espressos, stop. The term “arts” includes everything, from music to gardening to crafting, poetry, and cooking (yes, your sourdough counts). You don’t need formal training or fancy supplies. You just need to begin.
The Economics of Creativity: Cheap, Effective, and Still Underrated
In an artful, dramatic twist, making art doesn’t just help individuals; it could help entire healthcare systems. Investing in the arts as part of preventative care could reduce overall medical costs by improving outcomes without medication. That means fewer pills, fewer appointments, and more people living vibrant, connected lives.
So, Where Do You Find Art That Feeds Your Brain?
Art is everywhere, if you’re looking. You can find it in:
Your local community center (pottery night!)
Public art installations and murals
Museums and galleries (many of which offer free hours and special discounts)
Online workshops or creative subscription boxes
You guessed it: auctions
Before you think auctions are all fast-talking and paddle-waving, let us reassure you: they’re also treasure troves of soul-stirring work. Whether it’s an 18th-century glass lamp or a diamond-studded skull necklace, art found at auction is steeped in story.
Art With History and Heart
At Gray’s, we’re passing along beautiful items, but we also hope to pass on inspiration. Each piece has a past, and potentially, a new purpose. Our curated auctions feature original artworks, prints, and sculptures, all designed to bring beauty and calm to your everyday space.
Whether you’re decorating your office, brightening your home, or just need something inspiring to look at between Zoom calls, we’ve got something that might speak to you. And you don’t even need to leave your house to bid.
Ready to find a painting that soothes your soul and maybe makes your serotonin do a little dance? Check out Gray’s Auctioneers and explore our upcoming auctions. The art you bring home may just be the therapy session you didn’t know you needed.