One of my favorite travel hosts, Burt Wolf, filmed an episode entitled “Visiting a Great Museum Can Reduce Stress.”In the 25-minute program, Wolf discusses the research behind using art as a form of therapy. In London, at the University of Westminster, a team of researchers invited office workers to spend their lunch hour touring the Gillmore Art Gallery. Their goal was to show how viewing art can reduce stress.
The researchers measured participants’ cortisol levels — a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure, the immune system, and energy storage. Higher stress levels correlate with higher cortisol levels. When the office workers arrived at the museum, researchers tested their cortisol levels, then tested them again after the participants spent time viewing the artwork. The result? Their cortisol levels significantly decreased. Amazing! Art has a powerful effect on our well-being, and we often don’t even realize it.
Later in the episode, Wolf interviews painter Jan Dilenschneider, who has a deep understanding of the connection between art, emotions, and wellness. Jan shared that her mother was a painter who frequently discussed art with her and her sister, though she was never formally encouraged to paint. Instead, her love for art grew organically through those conversations.
While some historians categorize her work as Impressionistic, Jan feels her art leans more toward Expressionism — a movement that began in the early 20th century, where artists painted how they felt about their subjects rather than just what they saw. For Jan, the goal is to make viewers fall in love with nature — to feel what she feels — while raising awareness of the negative changes affecting our environment. She didn’t want people to see a painting of weeds and think, “Oh, just weeds.” She wanted them to understand that those weeds play an essential role in supporting ecosystems and wildlife.
Art and the Brain
Research consistently shows that art positively affects the brain, especially in terms of emotions and mood. Brain imaging reveals that two key areas — the putamen and the anterior insula — are highly responsive to art. The putamen is associated with feelings of reward, while the anterior insula is linked to pleasant emotions.
But here’s where it gets even more interesting: studies found that while simply looking at art offers benefits, actively creating art provides even more. In one study, two groups were compared — one group only viewed art, while the other viewed and created art. Brain scans showed that the group who created art experienced more positive brain activity and a greater sense of well-being. Researchers concluded that the type of art doesn’t matter — whether you paint, sculpt, or photograph. What matters is the act of creating itself. Creative expression reduces stress and boosts mood, and regular art-making has been linked to lower levels of stress and depression.
Art and Identity
Another segment of the episode focused on how art helps create a sense of identity, especially for people living with chronic illnesses. According to the American Public Health Association, art can act as a refuge for those with chronic conditions, providing a non-verbal way to express emotions. Research identified four key benefits for these patients:
- Patients focused more on the positive aspects of life, thinking less about their illness.
- Art increased their sense of self-worth and contribution to society.
- It helped them see that life is about more than their diagnosis.
- Art allowed them to express feelings symbolically, when words were difficult.
One study even found that placing a simple landscape image in a hospital room increased positivity, reduced the need for narcotic pain relief, and shortened hospital stays.
The Creative Zone
When people create art, they enter a mental state often called "the zone" or "flow." Jan Dilenschneider described how, when she paints, her focus is entirely on the work. Everything else disappears — a state of total tranquility. Wolf noted that athletes, dancers, actors, and photographers all report experiencing this same creative flow.
To activate your creative brain, Jan emphasized the importance of being somewhat relaxed and happy. Engaging in calming activities — walking, sunbathing, or even taking a shower — can trigger inductive reasoning, which activates creativity. This is why great ideas often emerge during downtime.
Creating art also fosters community. Whether you join a painting group or a photography club, you’re connecting with like-minded people who share your passion. That sense of belonging improves mood and reduces stress by making you feel valued and understood.
My Personal Connection
Everything Wolf and Dilenschneider discussed hits home for me as a photographer. When I’m out taking pictures, my mind focuses entirely on the subject in front of me. I enter a creative zone where nothing else matters — just the image I’m trying to capture.
But during times of intense stress or anxiety, it’s much harder to get into that flow. Finding unique angles becomes challenging, and even editing photos feels like a struggle when my mind isn’t clear or relaxed.
Like Jan, I use my art to share what I see — and to hear what others see in my images. No two people experience a photo the same way because our personal experiences shape how we perceive art.
Back in high school, a friend of mine planned to major in Art Therapy. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what that meant or where it would lead. Looking back, and knowing what I know now about the power of art to reduce stress, improve mood, and foster connection, I see what a wise choice that was.
In today’s fast-paced, high-stress world, we could all benefit from picking up a camera, a paintbrush, or even a ball of yarn. Creating art helps us disconnect from daily chaos, express our inner world, and stay connected to each other. It’s not just about creating something beautiful — it’s about creating a healthier, happier version of ourselves.
Want to Learn More?
Watch Burt Wolf’s full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6hVRPN9I5I
See Jan Dilenschneider’s work at: https://www.jmhdilenschneider.com
📸❤️🌻
