Description

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A lifealtering journey through the science of neuroaesthetics which offers proof for how our brains and bodies transform when we participate in the artsand how this knowledge can improve our health enable us to flourish and build stronger communities

This book blew my mindAngela Duckworth 1 New York Times bestselling author of Grit

A BLOOMBERG BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Finalist for the Inc NonObvious Book Award and the Porchlight Business Book Award

What is art Many of us think of the arts as entertainmenta luxury of some kind In Your Brain on Art authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross show how activities from painting and dancing to expressive writing architecture and more are essential to our lives

Were on the verge of a cultural shift in which the arts can deliver potent accessible and proven solutions for the wellbeing of everyone Magsamen and Ross offer compelling research that shows how engaging in an art project for as little as fortyfive minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol no matter your skill level and just one art experience per month can extend your life by ten years They expand our understanding of how playing music builds cognitive skills and enhances learning the vibrations of a tuning fork create sound waves to counteract stress virtual reality can provide cuttingedge therapeutic benefit and interactive exhibits dissolve the boundaries between art and viewers engaging all of our senses and strengthening memory Doctors have even been prescribing museum visits to address loneliness dementia and many other physical and mental health concerns

Your Brain on Art is a portal into this new understanding about how the arts and aesthetics can help us transform traditional medicine build healthier communities and mend an aching planet

Featuring conversations with artists such as David Byrne Rene Fleming and evolutionary biologist E O Wilson Your Brain on Art is an authoritative guide to neuroaesthetics The book weaves a tapestry of breakthrough research insights from multidisciplinary pioneers and compelling stories from people who are using the arts to enhance their lives