Feeling Stressed? Scrolling Overload?
Let's face it, social media can be a double-edged sword. It's fun to connect, but sometimes all that scrolling leaves you feeling drained. - What if we told you there's a way to transform your feed into a calming oasis?
Keep reading ... and discover the power of our printable PoM Digital Art work for your personal stress relief. Lets's get into it.
Here are 10 potential health benefits of viewing art (paintings, photographs, prints, poster walls, wallpapers, screensavers (for computer/tablets/phones) etc.):
- Stress Reduction: Art can induce relaxation and lower stress levels by promoting mindfulness and positive emotions.
- Improved Mood: Viewing art can uplift mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Enhanced Cognitive Function: Engaging with art may improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.
- Increased Empathy: Art appreciation can foster empathy and social connection by allowing us to connect with the emotions and stories depicted.
- Boosted Creativity: Looking at art can inspire creative thinking and problem-solving.
- Self-Awareness: Art contemplation can be a form of self-reflection, prompting introspection and promoting self-awareness.
- Pain Management: Art exposure may help manage chronic pain by distracting viewers from discomfort and promoting relaxation.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Studies suggest that viewing calming artwork before bed can improve sleep quality.
- Sense of Calm: Nature scenes and artworks with soft colors and simple compositions tend to evoke feelings of peace and tranquility.
- Spiritual Connection: Certain art forms, like mandalas, can be used for meditation and spiritual practices, promoting a sense of peace and connection to something larger than oneself.
Scientific Evidence:
While the sources of science work mention the benefits, the scientific evidence behind them varies. Some sources reference studies on stress reduction and mental health improvement through art therapy (see link list on the bottom). - However, the strength of the evidence is not explicitly addressed in many of these sources.
PoM's critical Cross-Search:
It's important to note that the relaxing effects of art can be subjective and depend on individual preferences. Colors, shapes, and subject matter can all play a role in how a person interprets and responds to a piece of art.
Common Literature (news, essays, articles, studies,reports etc. ...) mention calming motives in art but mostly don't delve deeply into the underlying psychology. - Here are some additional points to consider:
- Color Psychology: Colors like blue and green are often associated with feelings of calmness and peace, while red and orange can be stimulating.
- Natural Scenes: Pictures of nature landscapes are known to reduce stress and promote feelings of well-being.
- Simplicity and Order: Artworks with simple compositions and uncluttered scenes can be calming for the mind.
- Personal Connection: Art that resonates with an individual's personal experiences or memories can evoke positive emotions and a sense of connection.
Overall, viewing art offers a range of potential benefits for mental and emotional well-being. While more scientific research is needed to solidify the specific effects, incorporating art appreciation into your daily routine can be a simple and enjoyable way to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional balance.
PoM's art collection (prints, guides, wallpapers, screen savers and more)
You want learn more about this fascinating topic ? - Here some science based sources, medical reports and studies ...
Stress Reduction & Improved Mood:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553773/ (This review study examines various studies on the link between arts engagement and health promotion, including stress reduction and improved mood)
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6296656/ (This article by the National Institutes of Health discusses research on art therapy and its potential to reduce anxiety and improve mood)
Enhanced Cognitive Function & Increased Empathy:
- https://www.response.arts.ufl.edu/arts-in-public-health-framework (This website by the National Endowment for the Arts explores research on the relationship between the arts and health, including studies on cognitive function and empathy)
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4219055/ (This article by the National Institutes of Health explores the neuroscience of empathy and how it's influenced by various factors)
Boosted Creativity & Self-Awareness:
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/role-creativity-mental-health-elationspace (This Verywell Mind article discusses the link between art and creativity, citing studies that show art can enhance creative thinking)
- https://www-nature-com.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/articles/s41467-022-28186-y (This book by Robert J. Sternberg explores the psychology of creativity and its various aspects)
- https://arttherapy.org/ (This website by the American Art Therapy Association discusses how art therapy can promote self-awareness and self-reflection)
Pain Management & Improved Sleep Quality:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10616022/ (This page by the American Art Therapy Association explores the use of art therapy in pain management)
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230420 (This BBC article discusses research on the calming effects of museums and art exhibits, including potential benefits for sleep quality)
Calming Motives & Art Therapy:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19828312/ (This review article explores the field of neuroesthetics, which studies the neural basis of our aesthetic experiences with art)
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-survival/202012/new-research-shows-mandala-drawing-promotes-positivity (This Psychology Today article discusses the use of mandalas in meditation and their potential benefits for mental well-being)
Please note:
- While these sources provide scientific evidence to support the benefits of art, the strength of the evidence can vary across studies.
- It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on managing stress, mental health, or chronic pain.