When in doubt Dance it Our!
Dance, Dance, Dance! Dancing has long been proven to be a healthy and natural way to relieve stress and anxiety. This is because dancing affects us in three ways that have a huge positive impact on our mental health. Dancing works the physical body, clears the mind and creates an opportunity for social interaction.
Physical Movement-The act of moving our bodies in time to music when dancing works our muscles. This can make us feel better because physical exertion releases endorphins. Endorphins rush around in our brains and reduce stress hormones, the overall effect being we feel happier and more relaxed. The more regularly we work our bodies in this way, the more often we will experience this feel-good effect. Endorphins not only make us feel good in the moment, but they also aid sleep. Sleep is just as important for our physical health as physical exercise as sleep is when our body repairs itself. Dancing, like any form of exercise, has a host of health benefits including:
- Better cardiovascular health
- Improved coordination
- Flexibility
- Stronger bones
- Improved agility
Mental Health-Dancing stimulates neurotransmitters in our brains which transmit good feeling chemicals. However, dancing can also make us feel good in less obvious ways. Taking the time to dance and remove ourselves from stressful situations allows our brains to reset. Afterwards, we often feel calmer and more able to take on the world. Dancing is also a creative outlet for those who feel they are not able to express themselves as fully as they would like to in their everyday lives. Finally, dancing has helped so many to gain self-esteem and confidence which impacts all aspects of their lives for the better. Read about our team here
Social Interactions-Dancing often happens in groups in classrooms or in pairs in ballroom and Latin styles. Participating in a social hobby outside of work or school settings is proven to boost our mental health. Dancing with others allows us to bond with them and to feel part of a social network outside of the places that we may find challenging. Dancing in classes is especially effective as dancers learn and improve together, focusing on an end goal like a performance as a group. Dancing can also help to improve social skills, especially in children, as interactions with fellow students happen in a safe and encouraging environment.