Gazing at fine art reduces stress levels, study finds

Luba · 01-21-2006, 12:51 PM

'Province' article:

Here's a way to de-stress: One trip to an art gallery calms down stressed-out brokers as effectively as five hours of relaxing at home, a British psychology study found.
Not only did financial sector workers feel more relaxed after looking at paintings and sculpture, but even their body chemistry changed.
Their levels of cortisol--a stress-related hormone that causes wear and tear on the body--fell rapidly as they strolled through a central London gallery.
Several dozen London office workers from the "City" financial district were followed by this study, and after 40 minutes viewing art collections, participants rated their perceived stress levels as 45% lower. Saliva samples confirmed the change was real: Their cortisol levels fell by 32% in the same period--a drop that would normally take five hours of rest.
The findings were more pronounced in men.
"Measurement of cortisol in saliva is an effective way of quantifying a person's stress levels," said psychologist Angela Clow of the Westminster study team."Although we can't live without cortisol, too much can be harmful," she said.
Cortisol helps the body's fight-or-flight response in a crisis, but over a long period, this reaises blood pressure and does damage.
Don Monet, an artist who runs the Cube Gallery in Ottawa, says "It's as simple as getting some fresh air and exercise for your body, but this is for your mind. It's fresh air and exercise for your mind," he said. Monet believes the effect is partly due to the architecture. Galleries have high ceilings, airy spaces and plenty of light.

Merika · 07-11-2006, 05:11 PM

I find staring at naked men in pictures works out my stress!

Adonaicole · 07-11-2006, 07:32 PM

I find that looking at pictures of beautiful women works out my stress...now where did I put those pictures of Merika....

Ah there she is, life is good now...

Duke · 07-11-2006, 08:11 PM

Looking in the mirror is good enough for me

Merika · 07-16-2006, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke

Looking in the mirror is good enough for me

For some people, doing things 'alone' just seem to work better for them.

TKDLady · 07-17-2006, 08:03 PM

I am with Merika although, watching a good butt-kicking for someone who deserves it does a heck of a lot of good too. I guess it is a martial arts thing. Actually, doing the butt-kicking does wonders. No wonder I love Taekwondo.

Duke · 07-26-2006, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkdlady

I am with Merika although, watching a good butt-kicking for someone who deserves it does a heck of a lot of good too. I guess it is a martial arts thing. Actually, doing the butt-kicking does wonders. No wonder I love Taekwondo.

I heard your rythm is just a bit off so when you practice it's referred to as Tie-kwon-d0h

TKDLady · 07-26-2006, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkdlady

I am with Merika although, watching a good butt-kicking for someone who deserves it does a heck of a lot of good too. I guess it is a martial arts thing. Actually, doing the butt-kicking does wonders. No wonder I love Taekwondo.

I heard your rythm is just a bit off so when you practice it's referred to as Tie-kwon-d0h

Laugh it up D00ky! Even on my worst day I could probably whoop your butt!! :wink:

Duke · 07-26-2006, 10:17 PM

...am I supposed to be scared or arroused?

TKDLady · 07-26-2006, 10:59 PM

I will let you pick. Although the latter sounds more fun!! :wink:

Duke · 07-26-2006, 11:19 PM

Well it musta worked because I don't feel stressed

TKDLady · 07-26-2006, 11:34 PM

I don't know. I am still a bit stressed. May need to do a bit more ...
I will let your imagination take over. :wink: