A study has found that viewing original works of art in galleries can help relieve stress immediately.
The researchers showed that looking at works of art also has a “positive effect” on the immune system, the nervous system, and the glandular network responsible for secreting hormones, according to the British News Agency (PA Media).
They added that the results indicate that art not only stimulates emotions, but can also calm the body.
The study, conducted by experts at King’s College in London, included 50 people between the ages of 18 and 40.
Half of the participants viewed original artworks by artists such as Van Gogh and Gauguin at the Courtauld Gallery in London, while the other half viewed copies of the same paintings in a non-artistic environment.
Participants wore sensors to continuously measure heart rate and skin temperature during the 20-minute session, and saliva samples were taken before and after watching.
The samples showed that levels of the stress hormone cortisol decreased by 22% on average among those who viewed the original works, compared to a decrease of only 8% among those who viewed the copies.
Some cytokines, which are proteins that act as messengers for the immune system, associated with stress and chronic diseases, also decreased by 30% and 28%, respectively, in the exhibition group, while no changes were recorded in the other group.
Researcher Tony Woods, from King’s College London, said: “The research results clearly demonstrate the stress-relieving properties of viewing original art, and its ability to interest and stimulate us at the same time.”