Dancing is any kind of movement that makes your body feel good, rhythmically. Studies have found that when you dance, a naturally lean physique is not all you’ll achieve. Moving more will boost your brain, your mental health and make you feel good.
We all know that dance classes have positive effects on our physical health. However, few of us have stopped to think about how it affects the mind. Apparently, dance classes are a powerful tool to improve our mental health. We think that everyone should be made more aware of the importance of their mental health. More importantly, the tools to help you maintain a positive mental state. There is a very positive correlation between dance and the brain.
I don’t think there could be a better time than now to talk openly about this. Mental health is a hot topic right now. There’s a lot of new research coming out. The most recent studies have identified dance classes as one of the best ways to boost your mental health.
You’d be shocked at how effective simply dancing to your favorite tune is on your mind, body, and soul.
Dancing Classes To Boost Your Mental Health
If you go back to ancient times around the world, you’ll notice people dancing. We’ve been doing it for years. This is because dance and music are fundamental parts of the human experience and have been for thousands of years. It makes no difference what music it is either. The fact is that music has a massive effect on your well-being. In fact, Charles Darwin even thought that our ability to make and understand rhythmic beats worked as an early form of communication.
We don’t know if we still share messages through music. However, we do know that dancing classes and music can change our mood. Studies show that we share a natural sense of rhythm.
Those of you who think you’ve got zero coordination, think again. That’s why we think dance classes are an outlet for humans. They do a lot for our bodies and have an incredibly powerful ability to make us feel great.
Dance Classes To Feel Great
I think we can safely say that dancing, no matter the form, is amazing for exercise. The best part about dance classes is that it’s an enjoyable way to move your body for a prolonged period of time. It’s also easier to stick to, especially when you do it to your favorite tune. Dance classes are therapy because they’re a form of self-expression. Doctors state that it’s a fantastic way to deal with feelings and then release them. In fact, this same research from the 1980s discovered that dancing regularly can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
If you’re in desperate need of a mood booster then hitting the dance floor or dance classes might be exactly what you need. Dance therapies are also apparently really great for improving your self-confidence, body image, and mindset. Sarah Cook is a dance researcher who says that she’s felt the effects of dance on her own mental health. She explains that movement helps us to come to terms with our feelings.
In addition, Sarah says that dance classes are a way of dealing with feelings and releasing them. It’s the opposite of bottling them up and going to the doctor with depression and anxiety. She explains that expressing yourself through movement may come easier than vocalizing your feelings. That’s why we think dance therapy is quite a liberating experience. It also makes no difference to what style you do either. There are all kinds. Sarah explains that all forms of dance are great, whether it’s a professional style or unstructured movement to music.
Dance Classes That Suit Your Needs
Other research states that dance classes and movement therapies (DMT), also called movement psychotherapies, all help maintain and improve the intellectual, motor, and emotional abilities of the body. The mind, body, and spirit are hugely interconnected and dance combines all these spheres.
However, many people are afraid to start dance classes straight off the bat. The thought of dancing makes them feel nervous because it does require some thinking and mind power. But this is exactly why it’s so good for you. Perhaps you are not seeing the connection between dancing and mindfulness. However, the two go together perfectly. Professor Mark Williams, former director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, says that an important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience.
There’s immense power in drawing your attention to the movements of your body. Williams explains that this is why the rhythm of your chosen music, how it makes you feel, and your breath as you move, are such a simple way to get into a mindful mood while you dance.
Dance Classes Are Not An Escape Either
You might have guessed that it was a way out. However, it isn’t. Dancers explain that you don’t need to be a good dancer to be able to include it in your mindful routine. They state that dance classes aren’t about escaping the stress of daily life. Better yet, dancing offers us a way to embrace them. Dance classes do this by allowing you to be present while dancing, which allows you to learn about yourself and your body.
Moving to our favorite music is an uplifting experience and by being present at the moment, we are able to reconnect with ourselves. Absolutely anyone can dance too.
Be brave and head out to a class to learn something new, step out onto the dance floor with a few friends or just put on your favorite song when you have a couple of minutes and get moving.
Why Do Dance Classes Help Your Mind Relax?
It is very important to create time for yourself. I think an incredible way to do this is through dancing. You’ll realize that your body will be fitter and healthier and, of course, happier. There are so many unexpected benefits, however.
Research shows that people who dance regularly significantly reduce their risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in later life. This is because dancers exercise the mind and body at the same time. This means that dance classes will make you 76% less likely to see cognitive decline.
Not only will your mind improve, but so will your cardiovascular health. An Australian study that gathered data from 48,000 people found that those who did dance classes had a lower risk of developing heart disease. 46 percent to be exact when compared to those people who do not dance.
What improves immediately after your mental health does? Your quality of life. You see dance classes are also a very social activity because it is usually done in large groups. In fact, it’s an amazing way to establish new relationships and beat the loneliness feeling that plagues the world for good. That’s why participating in regular dance classes and movement classes can make you feel much more fulfilled.
Bottom Line On Dancing
You might also want to consider taking up partner dance classes. Research has shown that dancing with a partner quickly builds trust, co-operation, and positive social feelings. You might even find dance classes to be the best kind of medicine, much better than any pill a doctor can prescribe.
If you feel like you need a pick-me-up in life then consider joining some dance classes. Who knows? You could make some amazing new friends too!
Want to know more?
Chilly showers and ice baths are an alternative therapy that’s a big health hype at the moment. Although chilly showers are not exactly comfortable, they force you to be comfortable with discomfort. Anti-aging or not?
