Art is officially good for your health! Research by WHO & the NHS has confirmed that doing an hour of art each week reduces cortisol, the chemical that causes stress. Art directly alleviates depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. Art also reduces pain and inflammation by around 30% in many cases too. In addition to these benefits, art also increases cognitive function and improves memory, helping to keep dementia and Alzheimer’s at bay. Research shows that art heavily boosts self esteem, which in turn increases the production of dopamine and endorphins which are crucial for happiness and wellbeing.