Please pass the crayons. Creating art keeps the mind sharp.
Presidents, it seems, are as inclined to doodle as the rest of us. During one meeting with legislative leaders, President Dwight D. Eisenhower drew himself as a bold nude (from the waist up) in front of gunboats.
Lyndon Johnson often doodled three-faced figures, perhaps in recognition of the complexities of political loyalties.
And it seems doodling is productive.
One study found that it can improve retention of info by 29 percent. In fact, producing any kind of art — quality doesn’t matter! — provides wonderful benefits to the creator.
A study published in the journal Art Therapy found that making art reduces your blood cortisol levels and calms down your stress responses.
Another study found that artistic pursuits promote neurological changes that enhance resilience and defend against the toll chronic stress can take on cognitive functioning.
Get kids creating
It’s important for children at all grade levels to have access to art classes. One reason: Studies show that schools with established arts programs have students who do better both socially and academically. One study found that students with four years of art classes scored 91 points higher on their SAT exams than those who took half a year or less.
Adults reap big benefits, too. The Creativity and Aging Study found that after a couple of years, those involved in the weekly participatory art programs ... reported:
• Better health, fewer doctor visits and less medication usage;
• More positive responses on the mental-health measures;
• More involvement in overall activities.
Creating art also promotes healing when you’re coping with the aftermath of an illness.
All work and no play puts Jane at health risk
A study from Ohio State shows that when women work 50 to 60 (or more) hours a week during their 20s, 30s and 40s, they amp up their risk for health problems down the road.
Looking at long-range job history and health data for 7,492 participants in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, researchers found that most working women, but not men, have an increased risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. (Men and women both risk arthritis.)
Working 41-50 hours a week (about 56 percent of folks) ups a women’s risk slightly; more than 51 hours is more risky; and averaging a 60-hour workweek over three decades dangerously triples their risk of those life-altering diseases.
Fortunately, there’s something you can do. • De-stress daily. Meditate for 15 minutes; get 30 minutes of physical activity (an after-dinner family walk), connect with friends and don’t short-change yourself on sleep.
• Prioritize tasks at work and home.
Try to eliminate unnecessary activities. If possible, ask your boss about working from home; around 37 percent of workers do it occasionally; they’re just as productive as when they are in the office.
Contact the You Docs at realage.com.