Professor Pozzulo’s Pick (April, 2026)

 

Professor Pozzulo’s Pick (April, 2026)

Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives by Daisy Fancourt (2026, published by Celadon Books)

My take:

Do you enjoy listening to music, writing, crafting, or reading? You get the picture (pun intended). In Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives, Fancourt examines how the arts affect both our physical health—such as lowering inflammatory markers in the body—and our psychological well-being by providing meaning and purpose in life. She guides readers through the scientific evidence on the benefits of the arts for people who are healthy as well as those dealing with illness. She also offers practical strategies for incorporating more art into everyday life.

Each chapter focuses on a different dimension of health—brain function, mental wellbeing, pain, longevity—and offers practical ways to incorporate more creativity into everyday life.

One of the most striking takeaways is the impact of creative activities on cognitive health. Some studies suggest that engaging in cognitive leisure activities—such as reading, crafting, playing an instrument, or doing puzzles—is associated with about a 31% reduction in the risk of developing cognitive impairment and a 34% reduction in Alzheimer’s disease. That’s especially compelling given how limited current pharmaceutical options are.

Throughout the book, Fancourt highlights research showing how the arts can build resilience against cognitive decline while supporting overall health.

The benefits extend beyond the brain. Engaging in the arts has been linked to reduced stress, a greater sense of calm, lower blood pressure, and improved sleep. In one particularly memorable example, singing to premature babies was shown to improve feeding, helping support healthy weight gain.

What I appreciated most is how practical the book is. Even 30 to 60 minutes of creative activity per week can lead to noticeable improvements in well-being within about six weeks. More frequent engagement—around 20 minutes most days—can have even stronger, longer-lasting effects. The key is finding something that feels right for you; what resonates with one person (like writing poetry) might not work for someone else.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the connection between creativity, health, and longevity. It made me rethink how I prioritize creative time in my own life—and honestly, it’s hard to come away from this book without wanting to engage in the arts more intentionally. I can’t think of a reason not to engage in the arts! Count me in!

Have you tried any new art activities? How often do you engage in the arts? Has your well-being improved after engaging in the arts? Consider how you feel before and after engaging in the arts.