Benefits of Dancing : When was the last you danced?

Forget your troubles and dance - Bob Marley

When someone or you doubt your dancing skills, listen to this song. A positive affirmation to boost your confidence.

When you move, you feel good; it’s common sense. And everyone knows dancing is good and has positive effects on our physical wellness. But how about our mental health? Can dance improve our mental wellbeing?   

In honor of 100 day project, which will be ending rightfully on Mental Health Awareness Month, coming May, today on day 008/100 we’ll look into  the positive correlation between dance, and mental health. As the topic of mental health becomes more and more prevalent in today’s society, an increasing amount of research surrounding the positive effects of dance on mental health has emerged. Now you know why Tik Tok app is blooming in popularity! 

Within the scientific community, a growing number of researchers have proven that, while dancing, an abundance of mood-improving chemicals are released within the body of the dancer. According to research carried out by The Arts in Psychotherapy, when unleashed, these chemicals help improve one’s mental state; even one “lively” session of dance can reduce depression.

According to a study conducted by University of Hertfordshire Psychology Professor Peter Lovatt, the happiness experienced while dancing is measurable even after dancing, increased levels in happiness present as long as a week after the last dance.

One 2007 study also found that, in addition to boosting energy and mood, participating in hip hop dance also correlates with lowered levels of stress, similar to the decreased levels measured when participating in forms of aerobic exercise.

Though dancing itself should not replace help from a mental health professional. It is just one of many ways to practice healthy mental health and wellbeing.

References: 

1. https://www.starquestdance.com/benefits-of-dance-on-mental-health/

2. University of Heidelberg. “Effects of dance movement therapy and dance on health-related psychological outcomes: A meta-analysis. (2014), online: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197455613001676

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Love and wellness,

Drona Dewi

Biotechnologist

Mental Health First Aider

Wellness Trainer at Drona Wellness

Disclaimer: The information provided by Drona Dewi, a wellness coach who is from a biotechnology background, a lifestyle researcher. Certified mental health first aider by Malaysian Mental Health Association and the information is not intended to be and should be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional medical advice.