January 19, 2016

Dancing can be a great stress buster. Studies show that dancing can also help you become more sociable, help you lose weight, increase your flexibility, boost your memory, increase your energy, relieve depression, and improve your balance and posture. Research also shows that you may be able to dance your stress away.

The great thing about dancing is you can dance anywhere at any time. Turn up the music at home, in the car in backyard and just dance alone or with others. If you want to learn more about dance here are some simple tips.

5 Dancing Tips

1. Stay Committed

Not everyone is a natural dancer, but everyone can benefit from the dancing stress relief. In a study published in a 2012 edition of The Arts in Psychotherapy researchers tested the effectiveness of dance movement therapy on 160 stress individuals. After 10 dance movement therapy sessions they found that the all participants experienced a significant decrease in stress immediately. The stress-relieving benefits lasted even six months after their last dance session. So, don’t let your inhibitions hold you back and stay committed to your dance workouts for the benefit of your health.

2. Finding the Right Movements for You

Decide which dance has the best pace and movements for your body and capability. High-energy dances are great for reducing stress as the movements can increase your heart rate and produce endorphins that can help lower stress. Aerobic forms of dance like salsa, samba, mambo, and the cha-cha are great high-energy dances. Stress can also cause your muscles to become tense and contract; fortunately, slow stretching movements can help reduce these effects. Ballet is similar to yoga in that it can reduce your stress and increase your flexibility, concentration, discipline, and grace.

3. Choosing the Right Music for You

Studies have shown that the power of music relieves stress and a bunch of other problems from high blood pressure and depression to pain. Dancing also promotes social interactions. Dances like the waltz or the foxtrot are great for lowering your stress and blood pressure. Try faster paced music like hip-hop dancing like break-dancing. It’s great for reducing stress, building stamina and filling your body with endorphins.

4. Choosing a Dancing Partner or Crew

Social support and social networks can do wonders for stress. So, finding a dance workout that helps you feel more connected with the other dancers, and not isolated, is healthy and fun. Ballroom and Latin dances are great for bonding with a friend or loved one and they can boost your happiness. If you would rather benefit from a larger network consider line dancing like the electric slide, the Macarena dance, and country line dancing.

     5. Dance Therapy. 

Another option to consider is dance therapy. This new healing movement has become quite popular. To learn more or to find a dance/movement therapist near you consider contacting the American Dance Therapy Association or visiting their website. See: http://www.adta.org