Waltzing Away Worries: The Mental Health Benefits of Dance

Waltzing Away Worries: The Mental Health Benefits of Dance

2 min read

·

Oct 16, 2024

Oct 16, 2024

Oct 16, 2024

·

2 min read

Picture this

It's been a long day of classes, your mind is buzzing with deadlines, and the weight of future plans feels heavy on your shoulders. Imagine entering a room filled with pulsating rhythms, vibrant energy, and smiling faces. As you begin to move, you think of the day's worries melting away with each beat. This is the magic of dance - a potent elixir for the mind and body, especially to navigate through the choppy waters of adulthood.

Using Dance as an Outlet

Dance was a constant in my life growing up. From learning Indian classical dance forms to hip-hop to Afrobeats, I have always found myself drawn to moving my body to different beats. However, when I started college, I decided to turn my passion for dance into a routine in my lifestyle. The more time I invested, the more I noticed something extraordinary. It wasn't just about the physical exercise; there was a profound shift in my mood and overall mental wellness. There's some pretty cool science behind this. Every time we dance, our brains are like mini chemists, whipping up a cocktail of feel-good chemicals - endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. It's like nature's own antidepressant, giving us that natural high that can lift us out of the doldrums of anxiety and depression.

The Mental Connection Between Dance and the Brain

When I researched more about it, I realized it is more than just brain chemistry. Learning a new salsa step or nailing that hip-hop routine? That's your brain forming new connections, sharpening your memory, and giving your cognitive skills a severe workout. It's like going to the gym but for your mind! Let's now discuss mindfulness, that trendy term we constantly hear. But believe me, in dance, it's authentic. Your attention isn't on the upcoming exam or the awkward text you sent last night when trying to perfect that challenging choreography or synchronize your movements with a partner. You're present here and now, conscious of each breath and action; this is similar to meditation but far more enjoyable. I remember my first dance team tryouts; I became aware that it had been an hour since I had given my to-do list any thought as I concentrated on using my body to communicate the music. Dancing-induced awareness can provide a mental getaway during a busy workweek.

Joining a Dance Program

College life can be a rollercoaster. This is where my dance team becomes a lifesaver. Join a dance club on campus, and suddenly, you're part of a community. Those strangers in your dance class? They become your support system, your stress-relief buddies. It also becomes the ultimate confidence boost and helps us gain a sense of accomplishment in all our lives. The beautiful thing about dance is - it's for everyone. You don't need to be a prima ballerina or a breakdance champion to reap the benefits. Start small. Put on your favorite playlist and dance like nobody's watching in your dorm room. Join that beginner's hip-hop class you've been eyeing. Drag your friends to a salsa night in town. The key is to find what makes your body want to move. The style doesn't matter - what matters is how it makes you feel.

As you embark on your adventure, remember that dance is more than simply physical movement; it's a celebration of life, a means of self-expression, and an effective means of promoting mental health. It's about finding joy in movement, establishing connections with people, and treating your mind to the rest it deserves.

So why not respond to tension and worry by dancing the next time they knock? Your body, spirit, and mind will all appreciate it. Who knows? You could be able to dance your way to better health and happiness!

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For Your Mental Wellness

I am a rising Junior at a Liberal Arts college in Worcester, MA,  pursuing a double major in Psychology and Screen studies. I grew up in two different countries, India, and Kenya, and I consider myself a third-culture kid! I love to travel and can speak 4 languages. As a psychology student, I find Gen'Z mental health one of my most fascinating topics. I am excited to share my personal anecdotes and experiences from around the world and give it a new perspective!

Mind Workout of the Day
Mind Workout of the Day

1 minute Breathing

1 minute Breathing

Sometimes going through daily routines and tasks can also be overwhelming and you can feel your thoughts all over the place. 1 minute breathing is a coping exercise for me, where I just take some time to focus only on my breathing. This helps me feel more calm and collected and it feels like hitting the refresh button to start again with a clear mind!
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Saanvi Singh
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I am a rising Junior at a Liberal Arts college in Worcester, MA,  pursuing a double major in Psychology and Screen studies. I grew up in two different countries, India, and Kenya, and I consider myself a third-culture kid! I love to travel and can speak 4 languages. As a psychology student, I find Gen'Z mental health one of my most fascinating topics. I am excited to share my personal anecdotes and experiences from around the world and give it a new perspective!

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© 2024 museLIVE Inc.

mind workouts!

© 2024 museLIVE Inc.