Health in the time of the coronavirus has become an issue extending far beyond the physical damage that can be done by COVID-19. Life as we know it has been severely disrupted. The mind/body connection, so important to overall wellness, can break down when constantly challenged by a scary and uncertain world.
The mental effects of this pandemic are equally as important to acknowledge as the physical ones. October is Emotional Wellness Month and Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Awareness Day, an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. This day commemorates efforts to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. It seems that such an initiative has never been more important than now.
One way to take care of your mental health is to check-in and reconnect with yourself. And we know how many of you get precisely that sort of therapeutic pick-me-up from dance.
According to researchers at the University of California Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, Berkeley, CA, dance has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression through physical movement. Dance sharpens memory, the mind/body connection, and the bond with others, all of which have been sorely tested in recent months.
Dance as an exercise stimulates production in the brain of dopamine and endorphins, two neurotransmitters crucial to the sensations of pleasure and happiness. All of this is available to you at Fred Astaire Dance Studios or via the virtual lessons programs offered.
Dancing at Fred Astaire Dance Studios can provide a sense of family and community. You will often hear us refer to our Fred Astaire Dance Studio family – that’s how we feel about our students, our instructors and our community. We’re linked. Dancing is social, interactive, and certainly lends itself well to partner activities.
Does it help? Tremendously, and the results can last quite a while. A Swedish study found the positive effects of dance lessons extending as long as eight months while elevating moods and helping with anxiety and depression.
Mental Health Benefits of Dancing:
- Reduces anxiety and stress
- Improves your confidence and self-esteem
- Produces mood-improving chemicals in the brain
- Allows for self-expression
- Boosts energy and mood
- Social bonding & new friendships
- Reduces depression
- Creates a sense of family and community
- Increased levels in happiness
- Creative outlet
No matter what is going on in life, taking care of your mental health is equally as important as your physical health. Dancing is a great way to take care of BOTH! And remember, no experience or partner is necessary when you take dance lessons with Fred Astaire Dance Studios!