How the arts can help your mental health and wellbeing5 Mar

Here at Brio Leisure, we know how important it is to not only take care of your physical health but how important it is to look after your mental health too. That’s why this month we have been discussing and sharing all things mental health and wellbeing.

Over the past year, especially during lockdown, self-care and looking out for one another has never been so important.

Our Entertainment Marketing Assistant, Tori has been looking at how the arts can be used to help create positive experiences, as well as different activities to help boost your mood.

Reading

Over the past year one of the ways that I have found to help me relax and escape the world is through reading. I’ve found that getting immersed into literature has not only been enjoyable, but has kept my mind active when I haven’t been able to go out like I normally would be able to.

At Brio we even set up a virtual Book Club for staff to keep in touch and discuss books together! Keeping in touch is so important right now, and what a lovely way to do so by combining it with a well-loved hobby!

TV and Film

I think it’s safe to say my Disney+ subscription couldn’t have come at a better time than at the start of the first lockdown.

I have always found watching light-hearted TV and films to be a go-to to cheer me up when needed, particularly comedies!

When I’m feeling a bit down, I know immediately which Friends and The Office US episodes to go to when I need a pick me up! (‘The One Where No One’s Ready’ and ‘Café Disco’ obviously.)

Art

Science Daily reported that a study from Drexel University found that: “At any skill level, making art reduces stress hormones.”

Sadly, drawing and painting really are not my forte, but there are plenty of alternatives if you want to great creative! I really enjoy colouring books and find they are a great way to peacefully pass the time.

Music and events

Did you know we have a Spotify playlist called ‘Brio’s Feel Good Playlist’? They’re some of the songs that the Marketing team put together of our favourite songs when we need a mood boost!

For myself personally, live shows and concerts are my favourite way to destress. In 2016 HuffPost reported that: “According to a study from the Centre for Performance Science at the Royal College of Music in London, going to concerts can actually reduce anxiety.”

Here at Brio Entertainment, we love how our live shows are not only an opportunity for audiences to see shows and artists that they enjoy, but they’re also a great way to meet up with friends and family and experience the performances together! We really can’t wait to have all our audiences back in our venues experiencing live events!

Sadly, whilst live shows have been unavailable over the past while, many artists have provided streams of shows online. This includes our pantomime producer ABP Pantos, who following the success of their virtual Christmas pantomime are also doing a virtual Easter panto Snow White! Head over to their Facebook page for all the casting updates and show dates.

You can find out more about our future events here.

Related articles