HAP: Healthy Arts Project Model: An Evidence-Based Blueprint for SAD-Free Living

Peer-reviewed studies for each core element of the Healthy Arts Project (HAP), presented in unformatted text links as requested. These studies support the benefits of joyful, creative, and substance-free activities:

🎶 Singing & String Jams

Singing Interventions in Depression: A Scoping Review
Singing interventions are presented as promising, non-invasive, and enjoyable options for managing depression.
Psychosocial Singing Interventions for Mental Health and Well-being
This study explored whether weekly group singing can reduce anxiety, depression, and improve well-being.
Singing to Promote Mental Health and Well-being
Participating in group singing can enhance mood and promote mental well-being.
Choir Singing Improves Health and Happiness
Research has found that people feel more positive after actively singing than after passively listening to music.
Mental Health and Music Engagement: Review, Framework, and ...
Studies indicate positive associations between music engagement and quality of life, reduced depression or anxiety symptoms.
The Transformative Power of Music in Mental Well-Being
Recent research suggests that music engagement plays a role in mood regulation.

🥁 Drum Circles

Effects of Group Drumming Interventions on Anxiety, Depression ...
This study examined whether 10 weeks of group drumming could improve depression, anxiety, and social resilience.
Composite Effects of Group Drumming Music Therapy on Modulation ...
Drumming has the potential to modulate specific neuroendocrine and neuroimmune parameters.
Group Drumming Modulates Cytokine Response in Mental Health ...
Group drumming can lead to reductions in cortisol and immune response.
Group Drumming as a Burnout Prevention Initiative Among Staff ...
Group drumming therapy appears to have measurable biological effects associated with stress reduction.
The Impact of Group Drumming on Social‐Emotional Behavior in ...
Group drumming intervention could improve social-emotional indicators of stress.
UofL's Trager Institute Incorporates Drumming Series to Help ...
Drumming circles have been proven to reduce stress and boost the immune system.

💃 Static Dance

Enhancement of Pleasure During Spontaneous Dance
Emotional valence was increased specifically during spontaneous dance of groovy excerpts.
The Restorative Effects of Ecstatic Dance: A Qualitative Study
Participants found dance to be a means of emotional expression and reported physical benefits.
The Communication of Emotions in Dance
Dancers show their inner emotional world through the form of dance, enhancing artistic infectivity.
Ecstatic Dance: A Depth Psychological Exploration of Movement ...
This study explores the lived experience of individuals participating in ecstatic dance.
Comparative Analysis of Aesthetic Emotion of Dance Movement
This paper analyzes dance movement aesthetic emotion based on deep learning.
Emotion Matters: Different Psychophysiological Responses to ...
Explores dance video clip stimuli as a means to test human observers' accuracy in detecting genuine emotional expressivity.

🚴 Bicycle Parties

The Effectiveness of Community-Based Cycling Promotion
Community-based cycling promotion programs included a range of community engagement and social activities.
Unfolding the Impacts of Cycling to the Social Skills
This qualitative research study aims to determine the impacts of cycling on the social skills of cyclists.
An Exploration of the Importance of Social Influence in the Decision ...
Social influence was found to be a dominant factor in the decision to start bicycling.
Making Bicycling Equitable: Lessons from Sociocultural Research
Advocates address sociocultural issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in bicycle transportation.
Consumers' Intention to Use Bicycle-Sharing Services: The Role of ...
Consumers' attitudes toward bicycle-sharing services are influenced by a healthy lifestyle.
The Speed and Configuration of Cyclist Social Groups: A Field Study
This paper explores how cyclist group members interact and organize in bicycle flow.

🎨 Health-Themed Art

The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review ...
This review explores the relationship between engagement with the creative arts and health outcomes.
Why Art? The Role of Arts in Arts and Health
The authors conclude that the arts have an impact on mental and physical health.
Creative Art: Connection to Health and Well-Being
Research shows a correlation between creativity, improved feelings of well-being, and other positive health outcomes.
Engaging the Arts for Wellbeing in the United States of America
This scoping review identified ways in which the arts have been used to address wellbeing in communities.
The Impact of Viewing Art on Wellbeing—A Systematic Review
This review evaluates the evidence of the well-being effects of art viewing.
Supporting Youth Mental Health with Arts-Based Strategies: A Global ...
Discusses the potential for arts- and culture-based strategies to help meet youth mental health challenges.

🥗 Unrefined Food Shares

Food Insecurity and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption
Examines the associations between food insecurity, SNAP participation, and ultra-processed food consumption.
The Nutritional Quality of Food Parcels Provided by Food Banks and ...
Research indicates that food parcels provided by food banks are nutritionally poor.
“Food Is Medicine” Strategies for Nutrition Security and ...
Evidence supports positive effects of Food Is Medicine on food insecurity, diet quality, and health outcomes.
Strengthening US Food Policies and Programs to Promote Equity in ...
Provides recommendations for expanding and improving current food assistance policies and programs.
Food Is Medicine: Peer-Reviewed Research in the U.S.
Provides an overview of peer-reviewed research associated with Food Is Medicine interventions.
Community Nutrition and Food Behavior - MDPI
Community nutrition incorporates the study of nutrition and the promotion of good health through food and nutrient intake.

🎶 Singing & String Jams

1. Mental Health and Music Engagement

A systematic review found that active musical participation can lead to beneficial effects on both cognitive and psychosocial functioning.

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8257764/PMC+7PMC+7PMC+7

2. Singing and Social Inclusion

Research indicates that engagement in musical activities may impact social inclusion, enhancing a sense of self and social integration.PMC

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4114289/PMC+8PMC+8PMC+8

🥁 Drum Circles

1. Effects of Group Drumming Interventions

A study demonstrated that group drumming can improve depression, anxiety, and social resilience among mental health service users.PMC+1Karger+1

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4790847/PMC

2. Group Drumming Modulates Cytokine Response

Research showed that group drumming can lead to reductions in cortisol and immune response modulation, indicating stress reduction benefits.Karger

Link: https://karger.com/pps/article/85/1/53/282952/Group-Drumming-Modulates-Cytokine-Response-inKarger

💃 Static Dance

1. Physiological and Psychological Benefits of Dance

Dance, when combined with yoga, provides physical and mental benefits that reduce pain and enhance well-being.PMC+1The Times+1

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9234256/PMC+8PMC+8PMC+8

2. Effect of Latin Dance on Physical and Mental Health

Latin dance has been demonstrated to promote physical health and benefit mental health by reducing stress and improving mood.BioMed Central

Link: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-16221-6BioMed Central

🚴 Bicycle Parties

1. Integration of Exercise Professionals

Frequent exercise helps prevent and treat cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression, highlighting the importance of physical activity.PMC

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11477259/PMC+8PMC+8PMC+8

2. Integration of Short Bouts of Physical Activity

Incorporating physical activity into daily routines has demonstrated benefits, particularly for sedentary individuals.ScienceDirect

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749379710005581ScienceDirect

🎨 Health-Themed Art

1. Promoting Wellbeing Through Active Participation in Music

Active music participation promotes the maintenance or improvement of well-being and health.Taylor & Francis Online

Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17482631.2020.1732526Taylor & Francis Online

2. How Do Music Activities Affect Health and Well-Being?

Music activities have positive emotional effects and can reduce anxiety and pain.

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.713818/fullFrontiers+1Frontiers+1

🥗 Unrefined Food Shares

1. Social Integration and Health

Social integration correlates with physical and mental health, playing a mediating role in subjective well-being.Frontiers

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1167537/fullFrontiers+1Frontiers+1

2. Community Engagement and Health

Engagement in community organizations is positively associated with health, particularly among aging populations.PMC

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3031118/PMC

🧘 Breath Work and Movement Integration

1. Breathing Practices for Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Breathing practices significantly reduced stress and anxiety in multiple interventions.PMC

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10741869/PMC+8PMC+8PMC+8

2. Brief Structured Respiration Practices Enhance Mood

Breathwork produces greater improvement in mood and reduction in negative emotions, including state anxiety.MDPI+7PMC+7News-Medical+7

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9873947/PMC

🎶 Singing & String Jams

3. How Participatory Music Engagement Supports Mental Well-being

This study explores how engaging in music activities can support mental well-being through various psychosocial processes.PMC+27Frontiers+27Oxford Academic+27

Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1049732320944142SAGE Journals

4. The Transformative Power of Music in Mental Well-Being

Recent research suggests that music engagement not only shapes our personal and cultural identities but also plays a role in mood regulation.American Psychiatric Association+1PMC+1

Link: https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/power-of-music-in-mental-well-beingAmerican Psychiatric Association

🥁 Drum Circles

3. Promoting Well-being Through Group Drumming with Mental Health Service Users

This study examines how group drumming interventions can lead to multidimensional well-being changes for both mental health service users and carers.PMC

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6041820/PMC

4. Group Drumming as a Burnout Prevention Initiative Among Staff

Research indicates that group drumming had positive effects in areas such as self-confidence, stress reduction, relaxation, and attention among staff members.SAGE Journals

Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0081246315581346SAGE Journals

💃 Static Dance

3. The Effectiveness of Dance Interventions on Psychological and Physical Health

Dance interventions have been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve quality of life.PMC

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11127814/PMC

4. Mental Health in Dance: A Scoping Review

This review highlights that dancers regulated by self-determined motivation appear more robust and engaged in a healthier, harmonious way in their development.Frontiers

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1090645/fullFrontiers

🚴 Bicycle Parties

3. Health Benefits of Cycling: A Systematic Review

This review demonstrates a strong inverse relationship between commuter cycling and all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and cancer morbidity among middle-aged to elderly subjects.PubMed+1BMJ Public Health+1

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21496106/PubMed

4. The Impact of Cycling on Physical and Mental Health, and Quality of Life

The review highlights the positive impacts of adaptive cycling on cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, overall physical well-being, and improvements in mental health and quality of life.Frontiers

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2024.1487117/fullFrontiers

🎨 Health-Themed Art

3. Art Therapy: A Complementary Treatment for Mental Disorders

This study discusses how art therapy can improve the quality of life and mental health of patients, aiding in controlling manifestations correlated with psychosocially challenging behaviors.PMC+1PMC+1

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8397377/PMC

4. Benefits of Art Therapy in People Diagnosed With Personality Disorders

Art therapy may help patients recognize difficult emotions, integrate conflicting thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, and find more constructive ways of dealing with them.Frontiers

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00686/fullFrontiers

🥗 Unrefined Food Shares

3. Social Eating Connects Communities

Research suggests that communal eating increases social bonding and feelings of well-being, enhancing one's sense of contentedness and embedding within the community.University of Oxford

Link: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-03-16-social-eating-connects-communitiesUniversity of Oxford

4. Diet and Health Benefits Associated with In-Home Eating and Sharing Meals at Home: A Systematic Review

Correlational evidence links shared meals with health and psychosocial outcomes in youth, including less obesity, decreased risk for eating disorders, and academic achievement.ResearchGate+1PMC+1

Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349156441_Diet_and_Health_Benefits_Associated_with_In-Home_Eating_and_Sharing_Meals_at_Home_A_Systematic_ReviewResearchGate+1PMC+1

🧘 Breath Work and Movement Integration

3. How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review

Slow breathing techniques enhance autonomic, cerebral, and psychological flexibility, contributing to emotional control and psychological well-being.Frontiers+1MDPI+1

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353/fullFrontiers

4. Breathwork Interventions for Adults with Clinically Diagnosed Conditions

All studies utilizing slow diaphragmatic breathing showed positive effects on stress reduction and significant improvement in outcome measures.MDPI

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/2/256MDPI

🎶 Singing & String Jams

3. How Participatory Music Engagement Supports Mental Well-being

This study explores how engaging in music activities can support mental well-being through various psychosocial processes.

Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1049732320944142

4. The Transformative Power of Music in Mental Well-Being

Recent research suggests that music engagement not only shapes our personal and cultural identities but also plays a role in mood regulation.

Link: https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/power-of-music-in-mental-well-being

🥁 Drum Circles

3. Promoting Well-being Through Group Drumming with Mental Health Service Users

This study examines how group drumming interventions can lead to multidimensional well-being changes for both mental health service users and carers.

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6041820/

4. Group Drumming as a Burnout Prevention Initiative Among Staff

Research indicates that group drumming had positive effects in areas such as self-confidence, stress reduction, relaxation, and attention among staff members.

Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0081246315581346

💃 Static Dance

3. The Effectiveness of Dance Interventions on Psychological and Physical Health

Dance interventions have been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve quality of life.

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11127814/

4. Mental Health in Dance: A Scoping Review

This review highlights that dancers regulated by self-determined motivation appear more robust and engaged in a healthier, harmonious way in their development.

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1090645/full

🚴 Bicycle Parties

3. Health Benefits of Cycling: A Systematic Review

This review demonstrates a strong inverse relationship between commuter cycling and all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and cancer morbidity among middle-aged to elderly subjects.

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21496106/

4. The Impact of Cycling on Physical and Mental Health, and Quality of Life

The review highlights the positive impacts of adaptive cycling on cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, overall physical well-being, and improvements in mental health and quality of life.

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2024.1487117/full

🎨 Health-Themed Art

3. Art Therapy: A Complementary Treatment for Mental Disorders

This study discusses how art therapy can improve the quality of life and mental health of patients, aiding in controlling manifestations correlated with psychosocially challenging behaviors.

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8397377/

4. Benefits of Art Therapy in People Diagnosed With Personality Disorders

Art therapy may help patients recognize difficult emotions, integrate conflicting thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, and find more constructive ways of dealing with them.

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00686/full

🥗 Unrefined Food Shares

3. Social Eating Connects Communities

Research suggests that communal eating increases social bonding and feelings of well-being, enhancing one's sense of contentedness and embedding within the community.

Link: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-03-16-social-eating-connects-communities

4. Diet and Health Benefits Associated with In-Home Eating and Sharing Meals at Home: A Systematic Review

Correlational evidence links shared meals with health and psychosocial outcomes in youth, including less obesity, decreased risk for eating disorders, and academic achievement.

Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349156441_Diet_and_Health_Benefits_Associated_with_In-Home_Eating_and_Sharing_Meals_at_Home_A_Systematic_Review

🧘 Breath Work and Movement Integration

3. How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review

Slow breathing techniques enhance autonomic, cerebral, and psychological flexibility, contributing to emotional control and psychological well-being.

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353/full

4. Breathwork Interventions for Adults with Clinically Diagnosed Conditions

All studies utilizing slow diaphragmatic breathing showed positive effects on stress reduction and significant improvement in outcome measures.Frontiers+2PMC+2PeopleForBikes+2

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/2/256

curated list of studies and programs that support the core elements of the Healthy Arts Project (HAP), emphasizing the integration of arts, physical activity, and community engagement to promote mental, physical, and social well-being.

🎨 Arts and Health Integration

1. National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH)
NOAH advocates for the integration of the arts into healthcare, emphasizing their role in enhancing health and well-being.
Link: https://thenoah.net/National Organization for Arts in Health+2National Organization for Arts in Health+2National Organization for Arts in Health+2

2. Arts, Health, and Well-Being in America (NOAH White Paper, 2017)
This comprehensive report outlines the impact of arts in health across the U.S., providing evidence-based practices and recommendations.
Link: https://thenoah.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/NOAH-2017-White-Paper-Online-Edition.pdfNational Organization for Arts in Health

🧠 Cognitive Enhancement and Memory Support

3. Interventions through Art and Music Therapy in Autism
This study highlights the significant impact of art and music therapy on cognitive and emotional skills in pediatric populations.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38929285/PubMed

4. How Music Therapy Can Improve Physical and Mental Health
An overview of how music therapy supports mental and physical health, including benefits for memory and cognition.
Link: https://www.verywellhealth.com/music-therapy-5211613Verywell Health

🚫 Substance Abuse Prevention through Arts

5. YES Arts
An arts-based recovery program in Kentucky addressing the opioid epidemic by fostering community and connection through the arts.
Link: https://yesarts.org/Verywell Health+2Yes Arts+2Yes Arts+2

6. Iceland's Radical Transformation of Teen Substance Use
Dr. Harvey Milkman's approach in Iceland focused on replacing artificial highs with natural ones, leading to a significant reduction in teen substance use.
Link: https://www.naturalhigh.org/icelands-radical-transformation-of-teen-substance-use/WBUR+1Natural High+1NPR+3Natural High+3NPR Illinois+3

7. A West Virginia Town Uses Iceland's Model to Keep Kids Away from Drugs and Alcohol
A community in West Virginia adopts Iceland's model, emphasizing structured activities to prevent teen substance abuse.
Link: https://www.npr.org/2022/05/10/1098014794/a-west-virginia-town-uses-icelands-model-to-keep-kids-away-from-drugs-and-alcohoBruce K. Alexander+7NPR Illinois+7NPR+7m.kuow.org+2NPR+2Solutions Story Tracker+2

🧪 Innovative Approaches to Addiction

8. Rat Park Experiments
Bruce K. Alexander's studies demonstrated that enriched environments reduce drug consumption in rats, suggesting the importance of social and environmental factors in addiction.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat_ParkNCBI+3Wikipedia+3UK Addiction Treatment Centres+3

🏃‍♀️ Exercise as a Therapeutic Intervention

9. Effect of Exercise for Depression: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
This study confirms that exercise is an effective treatment for depression, with certain types being particularly beneficial.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38355154/PubMed

10. Exercise Treatment for Major Depression: Maintenance of Therapeutic Benefit at 10 Months
Findings indicate that continued exercise significantly reduces the chances of depression recurrence.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11020092/Duke TodayPubMed

🤡 Integrative Health and Humor

11. Gesundheit! Institute
Founded by Dr. Patch Adams, this institute emphasizes the integration of humor and joy into healthcare to promote healing.
Link: https://www.patchadams.org/YouTube+2Gesundheit! Institute+2Instagram+2

1. Exercise as an Antidepressant for Major Depressive Disorder

A comprehensive 2024 meta-analysis of 218 randomized controlled trials involving over 14,000 participants found that various forms of exercise—including walking, jogging, yoga, and resistance training—significantly reduce depressive symptoms. The effects were comparable to those of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, with more intensive exercise yielding greater benefits.Wikipedia

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurobiological_effects_of_physical_exerciseWikipedia

2. Patch Adams and the Gesundheit! Institute

Dr. Patch Adams founded the Gesundheit! Institute, a holistic healthcare organization that integrates joy, creativity, and community into medical care. The institute emphasizes the inseparability of individual health from family, community, and societal well-being.Gesundheit! Institute+1Gesundheit! Institute+1

Link: https://www.patchadams.org/

"Healing Through Harmony: How Music and Singing Reconnect Us to Ourselves and Each Other"
"Beating Burnout with Drums: The Science of Rhythm and Emotional Resilience"
"Dancing into Wellness: How Free Movement Builds a Substance-Free Culture of Joy"
"Two Wheels, One Planet: Bicycle Celebrations as a Pathway to Health and Connection"
"Painting a Healthier Future: The Transformative Power of Creative Expression for Mind and Planet"
"The Art of Sharing Nourishment: How Communal, Unrefined Food Builds Healthier Communities"
"Breath, Balance, and Brain: The Hidden Power of Breathwork in Everyday Wellness"
Substance-Free Celebrations: Creating Joy Without the Buzz Through the Arts and Movement"
"The Healthy Arts Project Model: An Evidence-Based Blueprint for SAD-Free Living"
"Reclaiming Community Through Creativity: Why Art, Food, and Music Matter Now More Than Ever"

Monday, May 12, 2025