Art could save your life! Five creative ways to make 2026 happier, healthier and more hopeful

For some reason, we collectively agree that new year is the time to reinvent ourselves. But have any of us given as much thought to creativity? It's time to shift our focus from the usual health kicks and instead explore the arts. Engaging with creative activities has been linked to numerous physical and mental health benefits.

Randomised trials on the mental health benefits of the arts now number in triple figures, revealing that regular singing, dancing, reading, crafts, and cultural pursuits can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress for people of all ages. Some studies suggest that combining creative arts therapies such as music therapy with antidepressants and counselling can nearly double the improvements in depressive symptoms compared to standard treatments alone.

Neuroscience research and psychological experiments have revealed that when we engage in the arts, we give our brains what they need – we activate the same pleasure and reward networks in the brain that are activated by food, sex, and drugs. This leads to a boost of hormones such as dopamine, which improve our mood. Arts engagement also provides an effective way to regulate our emotions, helping us buffer and deal with life stresses more effectively.

Over time, regular arts engagement can strengthen connectivity between brain regions and even increase the volume of grey matter. Amateur musicians and artists have stronger connections between parts of the brain that are vulnerable to ageing. Engaging in creative activities can reduce risks of developing chronic pain, physical impairments, and frailty – extending our 'healthspan'.

While the arts may not be a panacea, there is mounting evidence supporting their benefits. The arts can serve as a vital component of mental health treatment, offering a range of cognitive, emotional, and social benefits.

So what can you do to harness these benefits? Here are five creative ways to make 2026 happier, healthier, and more hopeful:

Firstly, use music and books to boost your mood. Swap your morning alarm for a song and take the time to listen to it before getting up. Consider swapping doomscrolling on your commute for a novel.

Secondly, choose a new creative hobby. If you're feeling out of control, pick a hobby that lets you take the lead without needing instruction – such as drawing or creative writing. If you're craving a feeling of mastery, try something that will allow you to develop a new skill.

Thirdly, get to an exhibition. Whether it's Renaissance paintings, contemporary sculpture, immersive audiovisual installations, or street art, exhibitions offer a chance to experience awe and engage with your creativity.

Fourthly, use rhythm to enhance your exercise routine. When we listen to music and dance, our movements, breathing, and heart rates all synchronise to the beat, making us more efficient in our workouts.

Lastly, indulge in some make-believe. As adults, we often dismiss play as frivolous and childish. However, when we enter imaginary worlds, it helps our brains build mental flexibility to deal with unpredictable changes in our lives. So, host a murder mystery acting evening, cosplay, or find a carnival or festival to attend.

By embracing the arts and making them a priority in your life, you may be surprised by the positive impact they can have on both physical and mental health.

I'm so excited about this article ! I feel like we need more people talking about how important creativity is for our overall well-being. Like, who doesn't love a good art session or a music jam session? It's crazy that there are all these studies showing the benefits of arts engagement on mental health... it just makes so much sense to me! I mean, have you ever felt stressed and then just started doodling or drawing? It's like your brain just relaxes and everything feels better . And the idea of using rhythm in exercise is actually really cool - I've been meaning to try that out for ages !

I think we've been so focused on getting those gym memberships and detox diets that we've forgotten about something way more powerful - our creativity! I mean, have you ever tried singing or dancing to your favorite song? It's like a natural mood booster, right? Not only does it release endorphins, but it also makes us feel like we're doing something we love. And that's the thing - creativity isn't just about being 'good' at something, it's about having fun and expressing yourself.

I've been thinking, maybe we should make time for creative activities in our daily lives. Like, why not swap our morning routine for a book or some music instead of scrolling through social media? It could be as simple as doodling during meetings or writing down your thoughts before bed. The point is, creativity can be super therapeutic and it's accessible to everyone.

I also love the idea of trying out new creative hobbies - whether it's painting, cooking, or even knitting. It's a great way to take control of our time and learn something new. And who knows, we might just discover a hidden talent!

But what really caught my attention was the connection between creativity and neuroscience. Apparently, when we engage in arts activities, it stimulates the same pleasure centers in our brain that are responsible for releasing dopamine - which is basically the feel-good hormone. That's why creative activities can help regulate our emotions and even reduce stress.

So yeah, I'm all about harnessing the power of creativity to improve our mental and physical health. Who's with me?

I'm all about redefining what it means to 'reinvent' ourselves at the start of each year, but let's not forget that creativity is key to a happy and healthy life . Engaging in creative activities can totally transform your mental health, from reducing anxiety and depression to boosting hormones like dopamine .

I love how research has shown that combining arts therapies with traditional treatments can nearly double the impact on depressive symptoms . And it's not just about 'feeling good' – regular arts engagement can actually strengthen brain connections and even increase grey matter .

For 2026, I'm all for making time for music, books, drawing, writing, exhibitions, dancing, and just plain old-fashioned playtime . It's time to break free from the idea that creativity is just for kids or hobbyists – it's a vital part of living a healthy, happy life .

Who else is ready to get creative, make some art, and prioritize their mental well-being? Let's make 2026 the year we take control of our happiness and creativity!

omg u gotta try makin music again like it literally changed my life i stopped playin when i was 15 but then started listenin to indie folk & suddenly i felt more alive lol didnt no about all the sciencey stuff behind it tho mind blown need to get to an exhibition ASAP been thinkin of pickin up drawing again too got a sketchbook collectin dust on my shelf gotta break free from this anxiety

omg, creativity is literally key ! i mean, think about it, when was the last time we actually engaged in something just for fun? like, without thinking about productivity or whatever . we're always talking about how important self-care is, but let's be real, most of us are still sleepwalking through life . arts engagement is literally a magic pill for our brains . it's not just about singing in the shower (although, let's be real, that's amazing too ), it's about tapping into that spark within us and making time for it in our lives . i'm so down to try out some of these creative ways to boost my mood, like swapping doomscrolling on my commute for a novel . let's make 2026 the year we prioritize creativity over productivity !

I'm so over these "new year new me" vibes it's always about some sort of detox or fitness kick but where are we getting that creativity fix? I mean, engaging in arts is linked to all sorts of benefits like reducing anxiety and depression, but how do we actually make time for it?

I'm guilty too of just scrolling through my phone before bed instead of reading a book . And what's with the "find a new hobby" advice? Like, I've tried them all - painting, playing guitar, even knitting... I still can't seem to get that creative spark going

Exhibitions might be cool and all, but have you seen how expensive they are lately? And don't even get me started on the whole "make-believe" thing. As much as I love a good murder mystery night, it's just not something I can realistically fit into my schedule every week.

I wish there was more practical advice on how to prioritize creativity in our busy lives . Like, what if you're not a music person or an artist? How do you make time for something that feels like a "hobby" when you'd rather be watching Netflix ?

let's make 2026 a year of creativity! we need to focus more on arts & crafts not just for fun but for our health too think about it, when was the last time you did something just for yourself? no phone, no stress, just creativity

let's use diagrams to represent our brain and how it works when we're creative ** pleasure & reward networks activated ** dopamine boost = better mood ** grey matter increases ** stronger connections between brain regions think of the benefits: less anxiety, depression, chronic pain...

make time for music, books, drawing, writing, exhibitions, dancing, playtime... whatever it is that makes you happy & relaxed try something new, explore your creativity and watch yourself grow

I feel like we all need a reminder to take care of our minds and souls. The news about the benefits of arts for mental health is so reassuring . I've been trying to prioritize my own creative pursuits lately, whether it's painting or writing, and I can honestly say it's made a huge difference in how I feel. I love the idea of using music and books to boost our moods too . And who says adults can't have fun with make-believe? Let's all try to make 2026 a year of self-expression and creativity!

You know what's crazy? We're always talking about new year's resolutions but I think we should focus more on creative pursuits . I mean, think about it, arts engagement has been linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress - that's some pretty powerful stuff! Plus, our brains get a dopamine boost from engaging in the arts, which is basically like a natural happiness pill .

And it's not just about feeling good, regular arts engagement can even strengthen your brain connections and reduce risks of chronic pain and frailty . I think we should make creativity a priority in our lives, whether it's singing, dancing, reading, or something more experimental. Who cares if you're any good at it? The point is to have fun and challenge ourselves .

I love the idea of using music and books to boost your mood - swapping that alarm clock for a song could be a total game-changer . And let's not forget about getting out to exhibitions, dancing during workouts, and just plain old playing make-believe . It's time we give creativity some serious love .

I'm so down with this idea of giving creativity a spotlit moment ! We've been focusing on physical health for ages, but it's time we shift our focus to what really makes us tick - our minds and souls . The stats are crazy - engaging in artsy activities can literally boost your mood by activating the same pleasure centers as food, sex, or drugs ! Plus, it's not just about individual benefits, but also about how it can positively impact our social connections and emotional regulation . I love that there are so many simple ways to make creativity a part of daily life - like using music or books to start the day on a high note or taking an art exhibition on your calendar . The key is to find activities that spark joy and excitement, whether it's through exercise, play, or just plain ol' imagination . Let's make 2026 the year we prioritize creativity and reap the rewards for our overall well-being !

i think its about time we make creativity a big part of our new years resolutions . i mean, who needs just a diet or exercise plan when we could be learning how to paint or play an instrument? and its not just about us, having all these creative outlets can actually benefit society too... like having more musicians in schools to help kids focus .

I think its about time we shift our focus from just being healthy to also being creative! Engaging in art and creativity has so many benefits for our mental health and wellbeing, like reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. Its not just about singing or dancing, but all sorts of activities like crafts, reading, and even music therapy can have a positive impact on our lives.

I love the idea of trying new creative hobbies to boost your mood and happiness. For me, it would be painting or photography - there's something so fulfilling about creating something with your own hands. And who says you need to be good at it either? Its all about having fun and experimenting with different techniques.

Plus, its not just about personal benefit - arts engagement can even have a positive impact on our communities and society as a whole. By embracing the arts, we can create a more creative and open-minded world where people feel valued and appreciated for their unique talents and perspectives.

I think this is so true! I've been feeling really burnt out lately and then I stumbled upon an art class in my community . It was literally the best thing that's happened to me all year! Not only did I meet some amazing people, but I also created something beautiful for the first time in years . It made me realize how much stress and anxiety I had been carrying around without even realizing it . Now I make art every weekend and it's literally changed my life . We need to prioritize our mental health more and explore all the amazing benefits of creativity

I'm totally down for giving creativity a try this year . I've been stuck in a bit of a rut lately and I feel like I've lost touch with my artistic side. Taking up drawing again could be just what I need to shake things off and get some new inspiration flowing . And who knows, maybe it'll even help me relax and reduce stress - all those grey matter benefits sound amazing .

I think we're all guilty of putting self-care at the top of our New Year's resolutions, but what about creativity? Have you ever stopped to think that making time for art might actually be a better way to improve your mental health than hitting the gym? I mean, have you seen those brain scans of musicians and artists? They're like totally wired differently! It's no wonder we feel more energized and happy when we're creating something. We just need to get creative and make time for it in our lives.

I think its weird that we always talk about getting fit in the new year but not much is said about creativity . Like, why arent we pushing ourselves to explore our artistic sides more? Our brains need a break from all the adulting stuff too, you know? I mean, have you ever noticed how when youre stressed, you just wanna sit and watch telly all day? That's not living, fam. We should be out there making our own fun, being weird, and expressing ourselves .

I gotta say, its about time we get creative instead of just talking about how sick we are . Seriously tho, all those studies out there that show arts engagement reduces anxiety and depression? That's wild! It makes total sense though - when you're lost in creating something, your brain gets those endorphins pumping like crazy . And let's be real, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned dance party to blow off steam?

I'm low-key tempted to try that rhythm with exercise thing tho... can you imagine just moving to some sick beats and crushing a workout? I need to get on that ASAP! And those exhibition tips? Genius! Just got my eye on this one show that looks like it's gonna be lit . Anyone else out there stoked about getting creative in 2026?

I'm like 99% sure I need to start painting more ASAP like who needs a gym membership when you can just listen to some sick beats and get moving? I've been meaning to try out this music therapy thing, but my brain is all "dude, I'm too busy" . Anyone else tried it out?