Why Creativity Belongs in Your Health Routine with Dr. Daisy Fancourt — Live Like a Girl with Dr. Mindy Pelz

Most women know they should move their bodies, eat well, and protect their sleep. But creativity rarely makes the list.

In this conversation, Dr. Mindy sits down with Dr. Daisy Fancourt to explore the growing body of research showing that art is far more than entertainment or decoration. Music, reading, dancing, crafting, storytelling, and even spending time with a painting can affect stress, mood, cognition, connection, and the nervous system.

Daisy explains why creative activities can help the brain enter a state of flow, how music can slow the heart rate, and why reading fiction may strengthen empathy by allowing us to experience the world through another person’s perspective. She also shares why knitting, singing, dancing, and other so-called “grandmother hobbies” are finding their way back into modern life.

In this episode you'll learn:

Why creativity became separated from everyday life
How to choose music that meets your nervous system where it is
How regular creative activity may support healthier cortisol patterns
Why book clubs provide more than a reason to read
What the research suggests about art, brain fog, and cognitive reserve
Whether online creative classes offer the same benefits as meeting in person
Simple ways to bring more creativity into everyday life

Resources Mentioned

Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt
Instagram: @daisy.fancourt

More on Daisy Fancourt

Dr. Daisy Fancourt is a researcher and author whose work examines the effects of arts and cultural engagement on health and well-being.

Her research explores how activities such as music, reading, crafting, dancing, and visiting cultural spaces may influence mental health, stress, cognition, social connection, and physical health. She has published extensively in the field and works on projects examining the biological, psychological, and social effects of creative participation.

For more resources related to today’s episode, visit the podcast episode page: drmindypelz.com/ep357

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Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, fasting routine, or lifestyle.