How Art Can Help You Live Longer and Healthier (and Have a Blast Doing It!)
Have you ever noticed that time seems to disappear when you’re lost in a creative project? One minute you’re sketching an eye, and the next, hours have flown by—but you feel energized instead of drained. That’s not just artistic magic; it’s science! Engaging in art can boost your health, lower stress, and even help you live longer—just like in the famous Blue Zones, where people thrive well into their 90s and beyond.
The Connection Between Art and Longevity
The Blue Zones—regions where people live the longest, healthiest lives—aren’t just about diet and exercise. They thrive because of deep social bonds, daily movement, purpose-driven living, and, surprisingly, artistic and creative expression. Science backs this up!
- Reducing Stress Like a Pro: Studies show that making art lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) by up to 75%. That’s the same kind of stress relief you get from meditation or a vacation—minus the airline fees!
- Boosting Brain Health: Engaging in creative activities strengthens neural connections and enhances cognitive function. In fact, research from the Mayo Clinic found that people who engage in artistic hobbies are 73% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment as they age.
- Encouraging Movement: Whether it’s standing at an easel, molding clay, or painting a mural, creating art keeps you moving—promoting flexibility, hand-eye coordination, and even core strength!
- Building Community: Artistic collaboration increases levels of oxytocin (the “love hormone”), making people feel connected, supported, and, yes, happier.
- Creating a Sense of Purpose: Blue Zone residents wake up with a reason to get out of bed every day. For artists, that could be perfecting a new technique, finishing a painting, or sharing their work with others. A sense of purpose has been scientifically linked to increased longevity and a reduced risk of heart disease, as studies from JAMA Network Open and Psychosomatic Medicine show that individuals with strong life purpose have lower cortisol levels, improved heart rate variability, and healthier lifestyle habits—key factors in extending life and preventing cardiovascular disease.
The Joy of Hyper-Realistic Art and Creative Aspirations
Recently, I hosted a class on drawing a hyper-realistic eye, and let me tell you—it was an absolute blast! Watching students transform a blank page into something that looked alive was nothing short of amazing.
The best part? Everyone got so absorbed in the process that time didn’t just fly—it teleported! That’s the power of creative flow. It slows your heart rate, increases dopamine (the feel-good brain chemical), and leaves you with a deep sense of accomplishment. Seeing students challenge themselves and push past self-doubt reminded me why I love teaching art. It’s not just about technique—it’s about proving to yourself that you can create something incredible.
Why I Chose Hyper-Realism: The Confidence Boost You Didn’t Know You Needed
Hyper-realism might seem like an intimidating art form—something reserved for elite artists with decades of experience. But here’s the secret: it’s not out of reach for beginners—not with the right step-by-step guidance. That’s exactly why I chose to teach it. Watching students go from doubting their abilities to creating a piece that looks like it could blink at any moment? That’s powerful.
When a student achieves something they once thought was impossible, their brain responds in remarkable ways. Dopamine floods in, rewarding them with that exhilarating “I did it!” feeling. This feel-good neurotransmitter is linked to motivation, focus, and even memory retention. At the same time, their neural networks form stronger connections, reinforcing problem-solving skills, patience, and creativity.
The real magic happens when this newfound confidence spills into other areas of life. If they can master hyper-realism—something they once believed was beyond their reach—what else are they capable of? Anything. That’s not just an art lesson; it’s a life lesson.
Check out the reviews and art from some of my students!
Coming Soon: The Ultimate Art Tour (Like a Concert, But With Paint!)
Because of the overwhelming excitement around these classes, I’m thrilled to announce that a national tour of online art classes is in the works—think of it like a concert tour, but instead of music, we’ll be creating masterpieces together! We’ll be diving into:
The Geometry of Art: Mastering the structure behind stunning hyper-realistic drawings, with some distinctive plans! Since the previous students already have the supplies, we shall move on with drawing!
- The hyper-realistic eyes “have it”! First class will be creating this again!
- I hear ya!: I was listening to you asking for lips and fun drawings of mouths, so we will delve into the hyper- realistic lips and mouths!
- Putting it all together!: We will do a mix of shading and linear techniques for a graphic masterpiece that you can proudly hang on your walls or give away as gifts!
And here’s the kicker—an entrepreneur on a streaming platform has reached out, asking if they can pick this up and run with it! That means soon, you might be able to stream these classes anytime, anywhere. Stay tuned for more details because this is about to be huge!
Why Art is the Ultimate Life Hack for Longevity
Let’s make one thing crystal clear: Art isn’t just fun—it’s life-changing. Science proves it, the Blue Zones live by it, and my students experience it every time they pick up a brush or a pencil. It boosts your brain, strengthens your body, builds deep connections, and gives you purpose—all the ingredients for a longer, healthier, happier life.
So why not start today? Whether you’re sketching in a notebook, painting a mural, or just doodling for fun, you’re giving your mind and body the ultimate gift. And who knows—maybe I’ll see you in one of my upcoming classes, creating something extraordinary together!
Please check out my online portfolio and let me know if you have any suggestions for upcoming classes! Karla Mothashemi Portfolio
