Physical health is one of the foundations of well-being. The arts add an expressive and enjoyable dimension to physical fitness when integrated into physical health routines. Physical activities that involve creativity or artistic expression can be more engaging and less intimidating for people who might be reluctant to engage in traditional forms of exercise. This synergy makes the arts a valuable partner in promoting physical health.
Mindfulness is also intricately connected to the arts. Many artistic activities (such as painting, sculpting, or playing a musical instrument) require deep focus and immersion in the present moment. Art-making becomes a form of meditation, allowing the mind to be quiet and the individual to experience a flow state—a concept well-known in mindfulness practices. The interplay between physical health, the arts, and mindfulness creates a rich tapestry of well-being, promoting not just the absence of illness but the presence of vitality, creativity, and inner peace. These elements, when combined, offer a well-rounded approach to health that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit.
November is Arts & Health Month, an internationally-recognized month to celebrate and raise awareness about arts' contributions to health, healing, and wellbeing. Through their arts and wellness initiative, Appel Farm offers a range of free community programs, working collaboratively with local businesses and social service partners who share their values and believe in an interdisciplinary approach to wellness. As the signature event of their arts and wellness initiative, the Healthy HeARTS Festival aims to provide wellness resources, uplift artists and partners in the region who integrate arts and wellness into their work and encourage creative, fun ways to explore artistic avenues towards personal health and community wellness. Key elements of the Festival include sustainability, restorative mental health practices, and movement-based activities that promote improved physical and psychological health.
The connection between physical health, the arts, and mindfulness is profound and increasingly recognized as an essential aspect of holistic well-being. Each of these elements uniquely enhances mental and physical health, and when combined, they offer a comprehensive approach to improving overall quality of life.
I interviewed Craig Getting of Appel Farm and asked how these connections grew into an event in his organization. "This is our third year doing it, and the germ of the idea was that we have this beautiful campus where people love coming to make and experience art. Another thing that folks like to do in beautiful and scenic places is get some fresh air, exercise, and get in touch with their body. Many artistic disciplines we're interested in also engage bodies and their minds. So, we know there's a natural kinship there! Many studies over the last 10 years show that participation in the arts positively impacts physical and mental well-being.
We know Appel Farm has art-making and live music covered. What else (or who else) will be there, and what types of things will they be doing?
"We have our partners in the health space as well as in the community wellness space. The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation is our longtime supporter, and they're a big community connector down here in Salem County. They're looking at what they call the social determinants of health, and that involves access to education, high-quality cultural experiences, and opportunities for community connection. This event is a way for us to get people together in the same place. Our partners can do health screenings, and we can have a cooking demo from the food bank, a yoga activity, and, of course, an art-making activity for families while one of their caregivers in the family goes for the run."
What is unique about going to a place like Appel Farm to participate in this sort of community event?
"One of the things we have is the retreat element; you know we are a little removed from folks' daily settings. The Farm is a little secluded on its own, and that can give you a chance to focus on the art-making and the activity. You know, the same way you go into a gym, and you can leave your workplace -- or all that stuff on your desk -- behind. There is an element there for the individual artist to say, 'I'm stepping out of my comfort zone' in the sense that 'I'm not in my day-to-day.' The other part is that by coming to a place like Appel Farm, you can then find a community with the people here, and you can co-create that learning environment."
Any final thoughts to share? What key takeaways do you want to give Discover NJ Arts readers?
"It's a family friendly event you know we are we have a couple of different youth partners through our schools and other service organizations that are encouraging kids and families to participate in the whole event whether it's signing you know signing up for the run or we have a A1 mile walk around the campus so you don't have to do the full course which does go out and around the area right and that it is an opportunity for the whole family to experience the arts and Wellness together because I think a lot of us find we find our own ways into like I like to make art this way and I do my exercise this way and me and my you know what I'm doing I'm going to the doctor I'm only doing that by myself or like my kid is in school and they're studying what they're interested in and one of the things that we are really proud to offer as often as we can as opportunities for families to connect through arts activities so i think that would be one of the things i would hope people get the chance to experience if they come down."
The Appel Farm Healthy HeARTS 5k will be held on and around its beautiful Elmer, NJ campus on Saturday, November 2, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Registration and bib pick-up start at 9:00 am. For folks (like me) who feel a full-on 5k run is a bit ambitious, a one-mile fun walk around the Farm will be held concurrently. Open to the public, this free, family-friendly event also includes live music, local food vendors, and art-making activities for all ages. Remember to visit the wellness resource tables featuring local partners to learn about services and resources, including health screenings and educational materials.
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