It may not always take a long trip or a day off to break free from stress. A scientific study in London has found that only 20 minutes between the original art works were accompanied by an average 22% reduction in cortisol, the stress – related hormone. But what has surprised researchers is that changes have been observed not only in hormones but also in the indicators of inflammation and activity of the nervous system.
Scientists from Kings College London have studied the influence of art on the human organism by analyzing the psychological reactions of people who spend time looking at the original paintings.
The research, published in Brain, Behavior, and Immuity, has included 50 people between the ages of 18 and 40.
Half the participants visited the Courtauld Gallery in London, where they saw original works of artists known as Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet and Paul Gauguin.
Other participants watched reproductions of the same paintings in a laboratory environment.
The results showed that the level of cortisol dropped an average of 22% in those who visited the gallery, compared to a smaller landing in the group that saw reproductions.
But the effect noted was not limited to the stress hormone.
What happened to the body in 20 minutes?
Researchers measured cortisol and some indicators of inflammation through saliva samples and monitored heart rate and skin temperature.
A drop of about 30% of the inflammation index was observed among participants who visited the gallery IL-6, while changes were recorded in autonomous nervous activity.
This shows that the experience of art in a gallery can be accompanied by measurable biological reactions, not only by the feeling of subjects of tranquillity or pleasure.
According to researchers, the results provide a possible scientific explanation for the connection between cultural activities and physical and mental well – being.
Does this mean that art cures stress?
Not necessarily.
Although the results are interesting, the study has included only 50 participants and analyzed short-term reactions during a visit.
Moreover, groups are placed in different environments, which means that it cannot be determined with certainty how much of the effect is connected with the original works themselves and the setting of the gallery.
The study does not prove that a visit to the museum addresses anxiety, depression, or other diseases, nor does it replace medical care.
However, it offers an additional reason to view galleries and museums not only as cultural sites but also as areas that can contribute to daily welfare.
At a time when stress has become a part of the lives of many people, science is suggesting that even the past few minutes between art works can have a greater influence than we thought.
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Source Layer: Signal