Getting involved with arts activities can help keep us healthy, according to a new study from Manchester Metropolitan University. The three year HM Treasury-funded project has shown that engaging with things like painting, dance, crafts, music and story-telling can increase our psychological well-being and lower levels of anxiety and depression.

The research, named ‘Invest to Save: Arts in Health’, has found that participants felt happier, empowered and more confident after engaging in arts initiatives. The study involved over 100 participants and was lead by Clive Parkinson, from Manchester Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Art and Design. “We found projects that stimulate peoples’ minds and encourage them to be creative can have a profound impact on their health and wellbeing,” he said. “The arts can help create a positive environment and build positive relationships which can make people feel more resilient, in control and give them a sense of purpose which leads to greater energy and enthusiasm for life.” …

Source: AlphaGalileo