Whether or not you know how to dance, the goal is to stay active in a fun and playful way. However, this is not the only health benefit associated with the activity.
The health benefit of dancing not only improves the physical health but also improves the mental health of the individual. If you are still looking for reasons to dance, let us give you 10 good reasons to dance.
Improves flexibility
You don’t need to be trained to dance to move your body to the beat. Play a random song or music and try to move your muscles according to the rhythm. Dancing helps increase body flexibility and reduces stiffness. Even the simplest stretches can help relieve joint pain and any pain from other activities. However, keep in mind not to overwork yourself. Everything is good to the fullest.
Improves brain health
According to a study The New English Journal of Medicine, Dancing can enhance one’s memory and prevent the onset of dementia. Other studies also claim that aerobic dance exercises can reverse a loss of volume in the part of the brain that controls memory (the hippocampus), which tends to shrink in late adulthood.
Practicing enough to remember the steps of a particular song is also a great way to challenge the brain. It also improves muscle memory. When it comes to dancing, age is never a factor to worry about. According to experts, cognitive skills such as planning and organization also improve with exercises including dancing.
Helps relieve stress
study conducted by Journal of Applied Gerontology She found that pair dances accompanied by soft music can relieve stress more efficiently. Other studies also claim a similar result. However, they did not specify if it was limited to pair dancing and soft music or could include any duet performance with any kind of music. Some also point out that dancing can increase levels of the mood-enhancing hormone serotonin.
Reduces depression
The effects of dancing on depressed patients were found to be very positive. According to the experiments conducted, those who participated in an optimistic group dance showed fewer signs of depression and left more energetic as a result.
Energy increases
Research has found that a weekly dance program can improve physical performance in adults and increase their energy levels.
Helps lose weight
Increased body movements help increase sweating, which is a clear sign of weight loss. According to a study in Journal of Physiological Anthropology Aerobic dance training is just as efficient as cycling or jogging when it comes to losing weight.
Improves cardiovascular health
It is not new information that the faster the dance, the faster the heart beats. This can lead to a stronger and healthier heart.
An Italian study reported that people whose hearts were at risk when they began waltzing had significantly better heart and breathing health and a better quality of life compared to those who simply cycled or walked on a treadmill.
Better coordination of strength and balance
Although you prefer to dance on your own when it comes to learning a dance move choreographed by someone else, you may want to perfect your movements and poses. This can help you gain better control of your body. Unlike walking or cycling, all of your muscles are involved in dancing. This is why the more you try to improve each muscle position and alignment, the better your coordination between your strength and balance will become.
High self-esteem and confidence
Studies have shown that dancers tend to report higher levels of self-esteem and more confidence. Despite the age factor, being able to dance gracefully is commendable and boosts one’s confidence. Forms of dance such as ballroom dancing can help people with limited mobility or chronic health issues manage their problems.
Meanwhile, other forms allow everyone to express themselves freely, release energy, and exercise discipline by memorizing and learning certain steps.
Social and emotional health improves
In silence, you may not want to push yourself enough to dance. This is why taking dance lessons is a great way to make new friends and improve your social life. Having positive relationships with the people you encounter on a daily basis is a major contributing factor to better mental health. Communicating well, and being sociable and frank sometimes, can increase feelings of happiness, reduce stress, and may even lead to a stronger immune system.