Discover the power of art with two New York Times bestsellers3 min read

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Both published at the end of March 2023, these books within less than a month became New York Times Bestsellers. Of course, we are about “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us” by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross and “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity” by Dr. Peter Attia.

Our decision to unite these books into one article can be explained by the common theme in these two books, which is about the idea of improving oneself through a better understanding of the mind and body. Indeed, both books emphasize the importance of taking a proactive approach to personal growth and well-being, and they draw on scientific research to provide actionable strategies for achieving these goals.

Specifically, “Your Brain on Art” explores the ways in which engagement with the arts can transform our brains and bodies, while “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity” proposes a personalized approach to extending lifespan and improving physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Let’s discuss in detail!

Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us

Your Brain on Art, takes readers on a journey through the science of neuroaesthetics, which provides proof of how our brains and bodies transform when we participate in the arts. The book is written by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross. Susan Magsamen is the founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab), Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, a pioneering initiative from the Pedersen Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Ivy Ross is a business executive and jewelry designer, who works as the VP, Head of Design for all Hardware Products at Google.

The authors offer compelling research that demonstrates how engaging in artistic activities for as little as forty-five minutes can reduce the stress hormone cortisol, and just one art experience per month can extend your life by ten years. They expand our understanding of how the arts can build cognitive skills, enhance learning, and even address physical and mental health concerns. Featuring conversations with artists and experts, Your Brain on Art is an authoritative guide to neuroaesthetics that offers a new understanding of how the arts and aesthetics can transform traditional medicine, build healthier communities, and mend an aching planet.

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity

Outlive is a groundbreaking manifesto on living better and longer that challenges the conventional medical thinking on aging and reveals a new approach to preventing chronic disease and extending long-term health from a visionary physician and leading longevity expert, Dr. Peter Attia. In the book, Dr. Attia, who is the founder of Early Medical, a medical practice that applies the principles of Medicine 3.0 to patients with the goal of lengthening their lives, draws on the latest science to deliver innovative nutritional interventions, techniques for optimizing exercise and sleep, and tools for addressing emotional and mental health.

Dr. Peter Attia believes that we must replace the outdated framework of mainstream medicine with a personalized, proactive strategy for longevity, one where we take action now rather than waiting. The book provides a well-founded strategic and tactical approach to extending lifespan while also improving physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Dr. Attia’s aim is to help readers learn how to think about long-term health to create the best plan for themselves as individuals.

Nevertheless, focusing on artistic activities or taking a proactive strategy for longevity will benefit both our minds and bodies. To improve the quality of your life, follow tips and strategies provided in these New York Times Bestsellers!