The Neuroscience of Art: A Cool Wellbeing Strategy for Nurses During the Summer Heat

This summer, I stepped into the EmotionAir: Art You Can Feel exhibit, and it was like walking into another world. Outside, the heat was heavy and draining. Inside, though, the air was cool and calm, and the art seemed alive—colors and textures blending in ways that made me slow down, breathe deeper, and feel lighter.

The premise of EmotionAir is simple yet powerful: art is meant to be felt. You don’t just look at it—you experience it. For me, it was a reminder that wellbeing doesn’t always require being in nature. Sometimes, it can be found in the stillness of a gallery, standing before a piece of art that speaks to your heart.

Why Summer Heat Challenges Nurse Wellbeing

Nurses often rely on nature as a source of renewal. A walk outdoors, fresh air, and sunlight are proven ways to restore energy and relieve stress. But during the hottest days of summer, when the air feels heavy and stepping outside means battling exhaustion rather than finding relief, those options aren’t always realistic.

For nurses working long shifts, this lack of access to nature can take a toll on mental health and emotional resilience. That’s why turning to indoor, air-conditioned spaces—like museums and galleries—can provide not only physical comfort but also mental and spiritual restoration.

The Science of Art and Mental Health

Far from being just “something nice to do,” research shows that viewing art has measurable effects on health and wellbeing.

Art creates meaning. A review of 38 studies found that engaging with art enhances eudaimonic wellbeing—a deeper sense of purpose, growth, and life satisfaction (Trinity College Dublin, 2025).
Abstract art sparks imagination. Studies show that abstract art activates the brain’s Default Mode Network—the same network linked to memory, reflection, and creativity (Gorce, 2025). This means art doesn’t just soothe—it helps us reconnect with our inner world.
The WHO confirms its role. A landmark report from the World Health Organization (2019) concluded that the arts play a vital role in health promotion, illness prevention, and healing across populations.

For nurses, who carry both physical demands and emotional weight, these findings highlight that art isn’t just a leisure activity—it’s an evidence-based wellbeing strategy.

What Research Reveals About Viewing Art

The benefits of art are wide-ranging and supported by neuroscience and psychology:

Reduces stress and mental fatigue
Improves mood and emotional regulation
Supports resilience and self-reflection
Encourages a sense of personal meaning and growth

In fact, scientists describe a phenomenon called the Beholder’s Share: each person brings their own experiences and emotions into the interpretation of art (Zvyagintsev et al., 2024). This means no two nurses will see a painting the same way—but each will find something uniquely healing in the process.

Mindful Art Gazing: A Step-by-Step Self-Care Practice

Here’s how to turn a simple art viewing into a mindfulness practice that supports your wellbeing:

Pause and Set Your Intention Take a slow breath and silently acknowledge why you’re here: “I need calm,” or “I want to feel more grounded.”
Slow Your Gaze Stand before a piece for at least one minute. Let your eyes rest on colors, shapes, and textures.
Notice Your Response Pay attention to what arises: emotions, memories, or body sensations. There’s no right or wrong.
Ask a Gentle Question Try: “What is this art offering me right now?” or “Where do I see myself in this piece?”
Breathe and Release Take one deep breath, close your eyes briefly, and let the experience settle into your body.

Even brief moments of mindful gazing—whether in a gallery or at a small print on the breakroom wall—can provide restoration in the middle of a busy day.

How Nurses Can Use Art as a Summer Wellbeing Strategy

If summer heat makes nature breaks difficult, think of art as your indoor oasis. Museums and galleries can be your refuge—a place to step away from stress, cool down, and reconnect with yourself.

For busy nurses, even a few mindful minutes of art gazing can:

Provide mental rest between shifts
Offer emotional processing after challenging days
Strengthen resilience over time

That afternoon at EmotionAir reminded me of this truth: wellbeing doesn’t always mean escaping outdoors. Sometimes, it’s found in standing still, in front of art that whispers calm back into your life.

References

Gorce, A. (2025, February 18). Art’s influence on the brain better understood with new data. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/arts-influence-brain-better-understood-new-data-2025a1000hit

Trinity College Dublin. (2025, February 24). Viewing art can boost wellbeing by giving meaning to life. https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/articles/2025/viewing-art-can-boost-wellbeing-by-giving-meaning-to-life/

World Health Organization. (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review. WHO Regional Office for Europe. https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289054553

Zvyagintsev, M., Kabisch, N., Klasen, M., Koelsch, S., & Habel, U. (2024). The neural basis of the Beholder’s Share: Brain activation during abstract and representational painting

perception. Nature Neuroscience, 27, 1868–1879. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-024-01868-0

Zubala, A., MacIntyre, T., Gleeson, H., Loga, S., & Dima, K. (2023). Visual art engagement and wellbeing: A systematic review of quantitative studies. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1094488. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.10944881