“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But a poem? Surprising new research shows that poetry can boost both physical and mental health. A CNN article cites “emerging scientific research into the wellness potential of poetry.”

What exactly can poetry do?

Studies have shown poetry can combat stress and depression symptoms, as well as reduce pain, both chronic and following surgery. Poetry has also been shown to improve mood, memory and work performance.

A 2021 study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics discovered that “hospitalized children who were encouraged to read and write poetry saw reductions in fear, sadness, anger, worry and fatigue.”

It combats loneliness. It strengthens our sense of self and fosters empathy.

“The abstract nature of poetry may make it easier to take a close look at painful experiences, which might feel too threatening to approach in a direct, literal manner,” wrote Linda Wasmer Andrews in Psychology Today.

Spoken word poet Sekou Andrews lauds poetry for its ability to help us through pain and grief, “in difficult times when you may feel broken.” Poetry may help us through stress and trauma by enabling us to name our experience and see things through another perspective.

All inspiration really is is a peephole into possibility.

There is a wall and then suddenly something shakes it, disrupts it,

And there’s a crack that appears 

And you can see something on the other side.

And there is a power to simply being able to say,

“I see it!”

Both research and subjective experience affirm that poetry can be comforting, connecting us with the experiences of others. It can be clarifying, enabling us to make sense of what we’re going through. It’s a useful tool for processing emotion.

Whatever else it may be, poetry is intensely human. Despite popular stereotypes, it is anything but highbrow and esoteric. It is accessible. You can dive right in. As Billy Collins, two term Poet Laureate of the United States, put it in his “Introduction to Poetry,” you can simply

…walk inside the poem’s room

and feel the walls for a light switch.

Allan, David. “This may be the most creative path to mental health you’ve never tried.” CNN.com, 15 June 2022, https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/15/health/poetry-life-itself-wellness/index.html.

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