Dance! Your mental health will thank you

Dance has accompanied mankind since its origins. Each village, region or country has a “typical dance” that brings together its neighbors to have fun and to celebrate. 

Throughout history, dance has evolved and has become a good way to exercise. Actually, the American Heart Association recommends dancing as a moderate aerobic physical activity. This is confirmed by a study involving people who danced Zumba: 93% stated that dancing improved their mood, 77% considered that it reduced stress and 89% felt mentally relieved after dancing.

But dancing not only has a positive impact on physical health, but also on mental health. 
Let's see some of these benefits:

Boosts memory

Several studies have shown that leisure activities, dance included, reduce the risk of dementia. This happens because aerobic exercise helps controlling the loss of volume produced in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain where the memory is located. 

Reduces stress

Dancing boost the production of endorphins, the hormones that fight stress. For this reason, dancing is an excellent way to relieve stress and anxiety, especially if you dance as a couple.

Improves depression

Dancing helps regulate serotonin and dopamine levels, two neurotransmitters that are altered in people with depression. So, dancing can help people with mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. 

Strengthens self-esteem

When we dance, we enjoy, we laugh, and we share a good time with others. Furthermore, the fact of improving in dancing and being able to do new steps and choreographies, reinforces our self-confidence and self-esteem. 

More energy

Dancing gives you the energy you need to activate when you feel low, tired or weak.

How to incorporate dance into your daily routine

• Sign up for classes. It is the best option to get started and you can do it both face-to-face and virtual. Find the one that best suits your daily life, and let's dance!
• Practice dancing at home by creating your own choreography and adding the steps that you like the most. Take a moment every day to practice your favorite dance steps, it will help you relax and feel better.
• Dance anywhere, even at work! Dancing doesn't always imply making big movements, turns, choreography... You can dance by making small gestures and movements of your hands, feet, or shoulders to the rhythm of the music in your head, and nobody will notice!
• Have fun dancing, don't look for perfection! You don't need to be a talented person to enjoy dancing. Just dance your way, listening to the music you enjoy and with the people you like. Enjoy dancing without worrying about how well or poorly you do it and what others think of you.