Could Art Help You Live Longer? | Create! Art School
Aug 03, 2026
Could art really help you live longer?
I often hear people say, "I wish I had more time to be creative."
Life gets busy, doesn't it? Work, family, the endless to-do list... and somehow the things we enjoy are often the first to disappear. But what if spending time painting, drawing or simply being creative wasn't just a lovely hobby? What if it was actually one of the best things you could do for your health and wellbeing?
It might sound surprising, but there's a growing body of research showing just how powerful the arts can be.
Studies have found that taking part in creative activities can help keep our brains healthy as we get older, improve our mood, reduce stress, ease feelings of loneliness and even support our physical health. Some research has even suggested that people who regularly engage with the arts may enjoy longer, healthier lives.
Now, I don't think we need science to tell us that creating something feels good. Many of my students tell me exactly that every week.
They arrive feeling busy, tired or overwhelmed. Then, after an hour or two of painting together, they leave smiling, relaxed and often saying, "I haven't thought about anything else for two hours!"
There's something wonderfully calming about focusing on colour, brushstrokes and creating something with your own hands. Your mind gets a chance to slow down and everyday worries fade into the background for a little while.
The wonderful thing is that you don't have to be "good at art" to enjoy these benefits.
Creativity isn't about producing a masterpiece. It's about giving yourself permission to play, explore and enjoy the process.
This summer, why not make a little more space for creativity? You could:
- Pick up a sketchbook and doodle for ten minutes.
- Try painting some flowers from your garden.
- Visit an art gallery or museum.
- Listen to music while you create.
- Start a simple craft project.
- Read a book that inspires you.
- Go and watch live music.
- Join an art class and enjoy creating alongside other like-minded people.
If you've been meaning to get back into art, or you've always wanted to give it a go, I'd love to welcome you.
Whether you enjoy learning with others or prefer to create at home, there are plenty of ways to fit art into your life.
Here at Create! Art School, I run friendly studio workshops in West Bridgford for beginners and those wanting to develop their skills. I also have the Create! Art Hub, where members can join me for live one-hour and two-hour online art lessons or watch them whenever it suits them. With a growing library of classes covering different techniques, subjects and artists, you can dip in whenever you fancy a little creative time, whether that's with a morning coffee or on a quiet Sunday afternoon.
Sometimes all it takes is an hour with a paintbrush to completely change the way you feel.
So perhaps the question isn't "Am I good enough to make art?"
Maybe it's...
"What might happen if I simply made time to create?"
I'd love to hear how creativity fits into your life. Do you paint, sketch, craft, sew, crochet or simply enjoy visiting galleries?
However you choose to be creative, every little moment counts.
And if you've been waiting for a sign to pick up a paintbrush again...
This is it.
Find out more about the Art Hub and join today for just £19.
Helen xxx
Photo Credit: Artwork by Grace Payne-Kumar
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