February is in, and January is out! With the holiday season out of the way, this month has provided a grand entrance for a ton of workload, school hours, and, more notably, stress! 

But it doesn't have to be that way. We can learn to enjoy and appreciate the things we have at the moment. Though sometimes, we must admit that burnouts happen to the best of us. While some prefer taking a rest by sleeping, playing video games or an instrument, maybe meeting up with your friends, and sometimes, even stress eating, we're here to be the good herald and let you know how you can shake all the bad vibes away by dancing!

How does dancing help with stress relief? 

Dancing is many things, but for now, let's view it as a physical activity that can help you manage your stress levels. 

The human body is full of amazing and complex chemistry, and one set of compounds that can have a powerful effect on how we feel is the "happy chemicals". These compounds, including dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, and others, are responsible for how we experience pleasure, happiness, and contentment. Let's explore how these happy chemicals work and how you can naturally boost their production in your body. 

• Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps us to feel pleasure and motivates us to complete tasks. It's released when we accomplish a goal or experience something we enjoy. 
• Serotonin is another neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and feelings of happiness. It also helps to regulate our sleep cycle. 
• Oxytocin is a hormone released during physical contact and helps us feel connected to others. 
• Endorphins are neurotransmitters that reduce pain and stress. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to naturally increase the production of these happy chemicals, including dancing. 

Research shows that dance can help improve mood, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being. Studies have found that physical activity, like dancing, can help to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase levels of serotonin, the "happy" hormone. This is believed to be because dance helps reduce stress and anxiety levels while also improving mood and positive thinking.

On the other hand, you can also induce these chemicals by choosing to live a healthy lifestyle. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can boost serotonin levels. Spending time with friends, engaging in physical contact, and expressing gratitude are some other ways to increase oxytocin production.

What type of dance should I go for? Any recommendations?

Various types of dance can be used to reduce stress and anxiety. These include ballet, modern, hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary dance. Each style has its unique way of relieving stress and reducing anxiety. 

Ballet

Ballet is an art form that involves technique and precision. It is a graceful yet demanding dance style that helps increase physical strength and mental focus. To practice ballet is to build patience and discipline, which may help maintain emotional stability and optimism. 

Modern Dance

Modern dance is a contemporary style of dance that allows for greater freedom of expression compared to the former. It is typically performed accompanied by popular music and can be a great way to release accumulated stress and anxiety. This style of dance encourages body movement and improvisation rather than strict technique. 

Hip-hop

Hip-hop is a fast-paced and dynamic form of dance that is often seen in music videos and nightclubs. This style of dance is known for its hard-hitting and energetic movements. It is often used as an outlet for stress and can help to improve coordination and physical fitness. Some studies have shown that the music genre itself has saved many, as they often explore themes about anxiety, depression, and overcoming struggles to the point where it has become the shoulder they could lean on.

Jazz

Jazz is a more improvisational style of dance that allows for more creativity. This style of dance is often used to express emotions and tell stories. Jazz dancing helps to reduce stress by providing an outlet for creative expression and allowing the body to move freely. Moving in specific rhythms and beats seems pretty calming, right?

Contemporary Dance

Contemporary dance is a form of dance that combines elements from ballet, modern, and jazz. This dance style usually involves abstract movements and is used to convey emotions. It is often used to express feelings that cannot easily be verbalised. Contemporary dance can be used to reduce stress and anxiety by providing a form of expression and improving body awareness.

Alternatively, you could just hit play on your music player and let loose!

What are the other benefits of dancing besides stress relief?

As mentioned earlier, dancing provides an outlet for creative expression, which can be used as a form of self-care. 

Dancing can also be used as a way to connect with oneself and the world, which can help build confidence, social skills, and a sense of belonging among people.

In addition to its mental health benefits, dance can also improve physical health. Research has found that dance can help to increase strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. It can also help to reduce body fat, improve coordination and balance, and reduce blood pressure. These physical health benefits can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.

Where do I start?

With all that is said above, it is a no-brainer that incorporating dancing into your life can be a very rewarding experience. 

One of the best ways to start is to set aside some time each week where you can dedicate yourself to learning how to dance. It doesn't have to be a lot—even a few minutes a day can make a big difference!

Another great option is to find a local dance studio and take a few classes. This way, you can take advantage of the expertise of trained instructors who can help you improve your technique and learn new styles of dance. Additionally, being in a studio setting can be a great way to make new friends who share your passion for dance. 

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative! Find ways to make dancing a part of your daily life—turn on some music in the morning, take a dance break at work, or create your routine for your next family gathering. With a little bit of determination and creativity, you can make dancing an enjoyable part of your life.

Shake all your worries away!

Dancing is a great way to stay fit and active and improve physical and mental health. It can help improve cardiovascular health, physical strength and endurance, coordination and balance, confidence, and mental health. It can also help to strengthen social bonds and improve communication skills. 

For those looking to take up dancing, it's just like they say. There's no time like the present! If you are interested in any of the dance styles mentioned above or perhaps, Tap dancing, give us a call at 0422939749 to book a free trial today!