Photo by Ardian Lumi on Unsplash
Something about turning the volume up, feeling the bass, and dancing to a great song can replenish my mind and body like nothing else. The more I dance, the more I’m able to give myself permission to put me and what makes my body feel good first. The more I’m able to release my inhibitions, let my body lead me, and lean into the chance to feel joy every second that I can.
I’m folding laundry when “My Body” by Young the Giant starts playing from my phone speaker. Without missing a beat, I start jumping up down, swinging my hips, and singing along. The song ends and I feel like my body’s battery was just fully charged. Filled to the brim with energy, confidence, and joy.
I’ve never been a big music head, but I can appreciate the way an impromptu dance party and a great playlist can boost a mood and create more mindfulness. I find that a great song paired with some unadulterated dancing, are like peanut butter and jelly. Or like a cozy book and a cup of warm tea. They are great on their own but together they culminate into an experience that is replenishing and joyful.
Feeling Replenished and Grateful After Dancing
As the colder months have subsided my energy and mood have increased along with the daily temperatures. And with that energy I’ve returned to some spring and summer playlists, full of catchy R&B or energetic Indie Pop. I’ve also found myself in love with a weekly cardio dance class at my local gym where I almost forget that I am melting into a puddle of sweat as old classics mix with current pop hits.
Time falls away when I simply enjoy the music and let my body take me where it wants. Thirty minutes always feels like 3 when you have fun dancing. Every great dance session I have often involves some gratitude as well. I take those moments of pause between songs to appreciate the joy and uninhibited clarity of mind I have when my only focus is to stay on beat. Side note: I don’t always succeed at staying on beat but I have too much fun simply trying to let that get in my way.
I often find my mind and body feeling overwhelmed with overthinking, anxiety, and building pressure. Dancing is the time that I get to claim for myself, my joy, and my fun. It is currently one of the most easeful ways I know how to do this.
Dancing for the Mind and Body
Besides the joy that comes with a great dance, the benefits of dancing to your mental health and wellbeing are pretty well documented. Dancing, even for a short period of time consistently, can improve people’s confidence, strengthen their memory, and serve as a healthy mode of emotional expression.
Not to mention improved heart health, balance, and strength.
No matter the occasion or location, dancing is one of the best ways to let loose. Embrace spontaneity and abandon notions of what your body should be doing. At least for the length of one great song. How freeing it can be to have your mind simply let your body do what feels right.
Bop your head to that catchy song in the supermarket.
Tap your foot to that old classic you completely forget about until you heard it again.
Take that salsa, hip hop, or ballet class at your local studio.
Turn your speaker up while doing the dishes and scrub to the beat.
Turn up those tunes. Dance it out. And see how you feel after a spontaneous dance party.
