As humans, most of us love to dance. Did you know that dancing can provide some pretty unique health and wellness benefits for us all?
Dancing can help eliminate social anxiety. As humans, we’re social creatures and crave connection to others. Dancing provides numerous opportunities to interact with other people who share the same passion as you. Being a part of a community that stimulates you has been linked to increased happiness, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system.
Dancing can improve bone density. Growing up, we’re told to drink milk because it will make our bones stronger. While true, it’s only one part of the equation. Load bearing exercises such as dancing result in stronger, healthier bones. The same happens with our muscles when dancing too, which is why vigorous dancing becomes easier over time.
Dancing can improve brain health. Have you ever been watching Dancing with the StarsTM and wondered how on earth they remember so many complicated twists and turns? Part of it is because dancing has been shown to boost memory and help deter dementia later in life. The mental exercise of dancing encourages neuroplasticity and results in a healthier and happier brain.
Dancing can boost confidence and lower stress. Whenever we learn to be more confident in our personal expression, we gain the benefits of being more confident and less stressed out in general. Having a hobby like dance is an effective means of for lowering stress by providing an outlet for it, and by giving you something that makes you feel good at the same time.
Source: Ricardo Souza, a New York City-based Brazilian professional dancer, who has been featured on CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC and more. ricardo@jayapr.com
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