I was reading an article from the NIH about how the arts affect your health. It says studies have found evidence that singing releases substances that serve as the brain’s own natural pain-killers and when we listen to music, levels of molecules important for fighting infection can rise. Scientists are also studying how art therapy can help to ease pain and stress and improve quality of life. and then there’s writing. Expressive writing – writing about traumatic, stressful or emotional events – has been shown to have a number of health benefits, from improving symptoms of depression to helping fight infection. Remember that the arts are no substitute for medical help but they can still bring health benefits. You don’t have to be good at them for them to be good for you.