Who says boosting your brain and improving your memory has to be hard work?
It can be fun!
For example, did you know dancing can dramatically improve your mental health – even if you think you have 2 left feet? Dancing involves so many important brain functions, including: coordination, organization, planning, and judgment. The music gets you moving, it helps too by:
- Stimulating the emotional circuits in your brain
- Releasing Oxytocin (the cuddle hormone)
- Creating peak emotions that increase dopamine
- Enhancing mood, memory, energy, and motivation
- Creating social interactions that alleviate depressive symptoms.
Indeed dancing makes us feel good!
It releases feel good endorphins and increases levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which reduces stress. It also helps develop new neuronal connections, improving over all cognitive function.
Scientific research shows that dancing improves depression and lowers the risk of dementia. And good news you don’t have to be an expert in ballroom, hip-hop, or jazz to gain the benefits. One study showed that conscious dancing, unchoreographed, mindful movement provided a therapeutic affect for 95% of people with depression, anxiety, and trauma. There are also natural neutroceuticals available like “Happy Saffron” to alleviate depression and create happy feelings!
Sources:
Akandere, M et al, The effect of dance over depression Coll Antropol 2011; 35(3):651-6.
Verghese J, et al. Leisure Activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. N Engl J Med 2003;348:2508 – 2516
Laird, KT, et al. Conscious dance: Perceived benefits, and psychological well-being of participants Complimentary Therapies in Clinical Practice 2021; 44: 101440
