If you want to stay active, going out to see a play or a musical might not spring to mind first. After all, doesn’t sitting down to watch something seem like the opposite of being active?
While exercise, hydration, and balanced eating habits remain tried-and-true methods to promote health at any age, it’s just as important to stay socially engaged and find mentally stimulating activities. According to research, watching live performances is linked with stress relief, increased empathy, and creativity. Seeing theatre isn’t just about entertainment – the opportunity to see art live and in-person can help your well-being, and even the well-being of whole societies. Here are just a few of many examples of how:
Spark Your Imagination
When you watch a story told on stage, you know you’re sitting down to watch actors. As you become invested in the story, you might feel as if you’re somewhere else, like in Fair Verona with Romeo and Juliet. Being aware of both logic and feeling allows you to experience ‘suspension of disbelief’, a phenomenon in our minds that allows us to enjoy works of fiction. Science says imagination is key to having an active, healthy brain, so there’s nothing wrong with pretending you’re in Verona for a little while!
Getting Involved in Your Community
Theatre is a collective experience. Being in an audience allows you to meet new people and go through something exciting together. Did you know there are even more ways to get involved with theatre, especially locally? At the AACM, we’re proud partners with fellow non-profit Crane Creations, a Mississauga-based theatre company that unites people through art. We work together to give older adults more opportunities to see live theatre, so keep an eye out for announcements about their upcoming shows! Want to get involved? Try some of their volunteer opportunities, open to anyone regardless of age or experience. As thanks for your help, you can see more theatre free of charge.
Taking a Break from Screen Time
In an increasingly digital-focused world, being able to “unplug” is a great opportunity to relax and redirect your focus away from distressing information you might find on the news or social media. In the arts, you’ll also find reflections of real-world issues, but unlike consuming content online, seeing art usually provides a safe environment to reflect. Even if social media doesn’t leave you feeling anxious or depressed, reducing screen time and seeking out other forms of entertainment is good for you.
Learn New Ideas and Understand Other People
Whether you’re watching theatre or getting involved directly, you have the chance to encounter people, real or fictional, you otherwise wouldn’t. In a multicultural city like Mississauga, we’re especially lucky to coexist with people from an abundance of cultures and life experiences, and watching live performances gives us all common ground. Exposure to new things – from people to feelings, and ideas – helps maintain neuroplasticity, which assists with brain functions. Put more simply, creativity and culture make our brains better.
Having fun is good for your health!
Let’s face it – watching a live show, and feeling the energy of actors and audiences is fun. In a world where people are working harder and longer to get by, there’s less time for leisure. However, there is hope: by having fun and seeking out activities that make you happy, your mental health can improve. It doesn’t get much better than having fun while supporting the arts happening near you!
If you’re ready to add art to your active lifestyle, try Ontario’s guide to live theatre: Click Here
