Dance has existed for thousands of years. Moving your body creatively is a popular way to express yourself and exercise. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional dancer or if you just like to move on the dance floor on Saturday night. It doesn’t matter if you like to tango or break dance. Dancing, of any kind, combines physical exercise with the positive power of music and social engagement. Together, these yield major benefits for brain health. In fact, it has such beneficial effects on the brain that dancing is increasingly being used as therapy for developmental disorders like Down’s syndrome, mood disorders such as depression and neurological disorders as in the case of schizophrenia, Parkinson’s and dementia. Whether you prefer solo dancing or being involved in a more formalised and choreographed programme, dancing offers obvious plusses to your physical health: Down’s Syndrome: Dancing can help improve motor skills, coordination and balance in people with Down's Syndrome. It can also help boost self-confidence, social skills and communication. Depression: Dancing has been found to be an effective therapy for depression, as it can help release endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It provides a sense of accomplishment and social connection, which can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Schizophrenia: Dancing can help improve cognitive function, social skills and self-esteem in people with schizophrenia. It can help reduce negative symptoms, such as apathy and social withdrawal. Parkinson's Disease: Dancing has been found to be an effective therapy for Parkinson's Disease as it can help improve motor skills, balance and coordination. It provides a sense of enjoyment and social connection, which can improve mood and quality of life. Dementia: Dancing can help improve cognitive function, memory and mood in people with dementia. It can provide a sense of pleasure and social connection, which can reduce feelings of isolation and improve quality of life.Studies have shown that dancing or movement therapy can help improve mental health and elevate feelings of joy. A study by UCLA found that dancing helped with depression and anxiety. It can enhance self-confidence, self-expression, and self-esteem. It can also relieve stress, anxiety, sadness, alleviate loneliness, and increase our sense of joy and connection with others. Dancing as a Form of Emotional Release: Engaging in dancing can be the best method of self-care and improving one's well-being. Irrespective of the dance style chosen, it serves as a secure haven for self-expression, exploration and personal growth. Additionally, dancing provides a pleasurable avenue for unwinding and temporarily forgetting one's troubles. Using Dance as Self-Care: Dancing Anytime, Anywhere: Dancing has become more accessible and convenient than ever before. As we scroll through social media aimlessly for hours on end, we can turn to platforms where a plethora of creators dance to various beats and users can join in anytime and anywhere. All you require is a few dance tracks and a willingness to move your body. So, create a playlist of some dance tunes and the next time you’re feeling stressed out, turn on your playlist and tap your feet. You can jump up and down or groove in your seat, moving your hands and bobbing your head. There's no need for any prior dance experience; all you have to do is move your body to the music. (Chauhan is a dance creator on Moj)
