Dance and Mental Health
Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Doctors and experts have been telling us for years that physical exercise can help our mental health. Dance is an excellent form of physical exercise. The physical movements of dance can reduce levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Just like other physical exercise, dance can provide relief from stress and tension.
When you’re dancing, you are focused on your movements and controlling your body— your mind is not thinking about anything else. The intense focus that you experience in dance allows you to let go of worry and stress.
Reconnects You to Your Body
People that have anxiety often feel like their anxiety has control over them. No matter what the person is doing, their body is still holding that anxiety inside, and they can feel it. When you are dancing and paying attention to your body’s movements, it reconnects you to your body. You are controlling your body’s movements, your body is no longer controlling you. This can be a great mind shift for someone that has been struggling with their anxiety!
Helps Express Emotions
Dance is a form of expression and it’s a great tool for anyone struggling with mental health. In dance, you can express all of your emotions through movement. Anything that you cannot say with words, you can express through your body.
Releases Chemicals In Your Brain
When we dance, our brain releases dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins.
- Dopamine is a chemical released when we enjoy, remember, or anticipate pleasurable moments. It is a hormone that stimulates our motivation and curiosity to explore.
- Oxytocin is a chemical released in the brain when we experience connections with other people. When we dance in a group and mirror each other’s motions, oxytocin is released, making us feel connected.
- Serotonin is a chemical that promotes happiness and is sometimes referred to as the “happy chemical.” If the body has a steady level of serotonin, it can protect against depressive and anxious moods, as well as improve the quality of sleep.
- Endorphins represent pleasure in the brain. They give us a euphoric and exhilarating feeling when we exercise. Endorphins inhibit unpleasant feelings, allowing you to feel more positive and optimistic. Endorphins will also limit feelings of fatigue and pain, leaving you feeling energized!
These chemicals combine and influence each other to create a mix of happy and positive emotions in our brains.
Want to Read More About Dance?
Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.
So why Nan’s school of dance?
At Nan’s School of Dance, we aim to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.
We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!
Don’t forget to register!
From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!