Movement for Mental Health: How Dancing Positively Impacts Overall Wellbeing
What kind of impact can dancing have on our emotional and physical well-being? Many of us have heard that movement generally has a positive effect on our minds and bodies. Many will attribute physical activity to their improved moods, higher energy levels and benefits to physical health. Dancing is a form of physical activity that is usually accompanied by music, both of which are shown to improve one’s overall mental health and wellness. If you’re suffering from anxiety, feeling restless and overwhelmed, stressed about work or feeling stuck. you may consider that movement through dance could have positive impacts and relieve some of the aforementioned struggles.
Research has shown that dance activates the brain’s sensory and motor circuits, releases endorphins, improves self-esteem and reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. Dance has been found to outperform other forms of exercise, containing elements such as social interaction, physical exertion, and problem-solving, which positively impacts brain functioning. Research also reports that dancing can reduce anxious and depressive symptoms.
Like most therapeutic tools and techniques, dancing isn’t going to cure it all. You may still choose to read books that help you learn and process your experience, or you may seek a therapist to help guide you through to your goals. Maybe you choose to “white knuckle” your way through life. Dancing is one tool you can use at your leisure, knowing that it might play a role in reducing anxiety, eases stress and improving brain function.
Think about the kinds of music that get you movin’ and groovin’. There are endless ways to dance, and so it might be helpful to start with the music you like and could imagine dancing to. In my family growing up, we would routinely have “dance parties” in the kitchen or living room. It was something that had us all smiling, laughing and sometimes singing. Much of the time the music playing was a blend of genres including folk, rock, bluegrass and more. Even today, I find myself dancing around the house for fun, and for the benefits earlier discussed. Choose whatever music feels good to you, and start by moving your body to the music. If you’re someone who prefers a little more structure, check out dance classes in your area or find a YouTube video to dance along to.
Movement is medicine. Dancing is feel-good.
Written by Catherine Metz, LMFT
References:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-021-01483-8
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08098131.2023.2204898
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1401129/full