There are numerous ways to stay fit apart from going to the gym. Dance is one of them. It offers full body benefits and what’s more, keeps your mental health in check. It doesn’t matter if you think you got two left feet, here’s why you should take up dancing.
When we dance, the brain releases neurotransmitters like endorphins which boost our moods. Just a few minutes of grooving to music you love is enough to chase away the blues. Dancing has been proven to reduce stress, depression and anxiety. Even before the onset of full depression, dance and related body movements aid in lessening mental fluctuations that cause depression.
Dancing in a social setting helps us feel connected. If making friends is stressful for you but you love dance, why not join a dance class? The jovial atmosphere among others doing something you love makes bonding easier than in a serious setting.
On a deeper level, dance helps our brain connect with those of others. Scientific studies show that the brains of two people dancing together become attuned to the same frequency. The low-frequency brain waves of the participants become synchronized. How cool is that? Over time this makes us more empathetic towards others.
Social anxiety prevents many people from living fulfilling lives since they ‘freeze’ when in public (for example when they have to give a speech). Dance helps one loosen up since they are less self- conscious when completely engaged in the music.
People who suffer from mental illnesses usually have a hard time expressing their emotions through words. Dancing alleviates this since one uses their body as a form of self- expression.
Scientists are working towards incorporating dance into treatment for conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, mood disorders chronic pain, and autism based on evidence that supports that dance has a positive impact on patients .
