Tired of the treadmill or just bored with your workouts? While there are all kinds of exercises to try and ways to get your sweat sessions in, new research suggests one is better for managing stress, building resilience and improving well-being. No, we’re not talking about sex - it’s dancing!
According to a new study from an international team of researchers, dancing can reduce anxiety, restlessness and levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as lower heart rate and blood pressure. “Our research shows that by dancing, we can tap into a natural stress-relief mechanism that enhances our resilience and helps us cope with daily pressures,” explains study co-author Jonathan Skinner. ‘It’s fascinating to see how something as enjoyable as dance can have profound effects on our mental health.”
Skinner and his team discovered that dancing can also help with expressing emotions, strengthen social connections, boost mood and stimulate the release of “feel good” hormones like oxytocin and endorphins. It doesn’t matter what kind of dance you do, it can be done anywhere, with no special equipment required, so anyone can do it and get the same benefits. The researchers sum it up by saying, “Encouraging people to move together can create a sense of belonging and support while enhancing their ability to cope with stress.”
Source: NY Post