Dancing reduces stress and enhances well-being

A recent international study has found that dancing can help manage stress and improve overall well-being. Researchers from various universities, including those in the UK and Denmark, conducted this research. The study shows that dancing facilitates emotional expression and builds social connections, which can help buffer against stress. When we dance, our mood improves, and hormones like oxytocin and endorphins are released. These hormones are linked to happiness and a sense of connection. Researchers also discovered that dance can reduce anxiety, nervousness, and worry. It helps lower levels of cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure. The findings were published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise. The team of academics reviewed many existing studies on dance and its effects on stress. They looked at how music, rhythm, and social interaction play roles in stress management. Dr. Jonathan Skinner, a co-author of the study, highlighted the positive impact that dancing can have on mental health. He believes that incorporating dance into regular routines could enhance resilience against daily pressures. The study encourages including dance in community health programs. It suggests that dancing together can foster a sense of belonging and improve people's ability to cope with stress.