Did you know that hitting the dance floor, strutting your stuff, and shaking your tail feathers has some amazing effects on your mind, body, and soul?
Dancing is not only a great way to party and let loose – many studies show that dancing is good for you, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Dancing for a few hours each week can have a positive, powerful impact on your life.
Here are 10 reasons why dancing is more important than we think:
1. Dancing burns calories.
Dance floors tend to be sweaty for a reason. All of those shimmies and shakes burn energy like you wouldn’t believe. Dancing can be an ideal way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Dancing is a wonderful form of exercise – it burns 250 to 400 calories per hour.
2. Dancing improves your mood.
Dancing has mood benefits. Studies show that dancing improves energy, buoys mood, and lowers stress in ways similar to aerobic exercise. Dancing can raise your spirits by raising the endorphins (the so-called the “feel-good” chemicals). This can lighten your mood and reduce your anxiety and depression, too.
3. Dancing is great for your body.
Dancing improves muscle tone and cardiovascular strength. It also improves the condition of your heart and lungs, decreases blood pressure, and reduces stress. Dancing is great for your bones and joints because it keeps them strong and dense, helping reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
4. Dancing is great for your mind.
Dancing helps to keep your mind active as well as your body. It improves circulation and helps prevent oxygen starvation to the brain. Also, remembering complex steps stimulates working memory.
5. Dancing is a great way to express yourself.
Dancing is how we express ourselves when words are insufficient. The way you dance shows off your personality and helps you explore who you are.
6. Dancing is good for your soul.
When life gets overwhelming, dancing can be a great “reset button” activity. Dancing to your favorite music can be a way to change your vibes and help you forget your troubles. When we dance, we feel a little better and forget about the world. When your soul needs healing, just immerse yourself in music and dance.
7. Dancing builds confidence.
Dancing in front of others, or even in front of the mirror, can be challenging. Moving your body allows you to break out of the negative perceptions you hold. When you truly engage and remain present as you dance, you build self-confidence. If you can loosen up enough to boogie in front of others, you’re a lot less likely to feel self-conscious when speaking in front of an audience or strangers,
8. Dancing is a great way to meet new people.
Dancing is a great way to revamp your social life. Dancing introduces you to new people, which increases your social circle. Strangers have the potential to become friends, while families and friends bond more closely because of the positive experiences they’ve shared on the dance floor.
9. Dance is relaxing.
Dancing helps our bodies and minds relax as the music and surroundings take people away from their anxiety and frustration for a while.
10. Dancing expands your horizons.
There are so many varieties of dance from different countries and backgrounds. People come together through dance. Dancing is not only a universal art form, but it is also a universal language.
Dancing has an outstanding positive effect on your physical and psychological well-being. Dance to have good health and happy life. Dance to celebrate, dance to explore, and dance to feel alive.
Featured image via Mitchell Orr on Unsplash
