How can observing art strengthen brain performance?
Your brain thrives on stimulation. Taking time to engage with works of art excites your brain, encouraging you to practice seeing the world in new ways, which helps strengthen attention and spark innovation.SCIENCE SAYS:
The brain thrives on innovative thinking and new ideas. Exposure to new perspectives helps keep your brain healthy. Neuroplasticity enables continued learning and challenges to foster positive brain changes and the formation of new neural pathways.WAYS TO BEGIN:
- Activate your curiosity — ask questions and explore the origins of the piece (Who created it? And why?) while holding off on critique or judgement, in order to first focus on understanding.
- Practice mindfulness — slow down and deactivate other streams of thought, giving the artwork your complete attention and allowing yourself to gradually connect how you see the piece to your feelings and experiences.
- Challenge yourself — explore styles of art that may be new or different for you, aiming to embrace ambiguity as you seek out new points of view and expand your search for meaning.
- Reflect on your experience — explore your thoughts and feelings by reflecting, journaling or connecting with others to share learnings and exchange ideas.
