Kids dance joyfully and intuitively–but as adults, we aren’t quite as uninhibited. Even though dancing is fun and good for us.
Sure, dancing has aerobic benefits. But fact is, dancing helps us maximize brain function. Did you know that?
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dancing was one of the activities that seemed to be associated with lower risk of dementia. Another study in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that dancing can provide greater volume in the brain’s hippocampus, which shows shrinkage in Alzheimer’s patients.
Dancing also has been shown to reduce loneliness, stress and depression.
So why not have a dance party for your brain? Even if you’re dancing by yourself.
Especially if you’re dancing by yourself!
Do you ever spontaneously dance when you’re by yourself? If you do, it’s a dance for brain health! so put on the BeeGees old song, “You Should be Dancing” and give it a few twirls. Or chair dance!
Here’s what else is good for your health: expressive writing about your disease. See our guided journals here.
I love the concept of having a dance party for my brain. I love to dance, even if it’s by myself.
I love to dance and frequently have dance parties all by myself, so much fun!! Now I want to dance it out even more!!
My daughter is so big into dance. I really enjoy watching her flourish in it.
Dance was a huge passion of mine. Some injuries have really held me back though.
My kids love having dance parties! We have them all the time in our living room.
I love this! There is nothing better than the whole “dance like no one’s watching” feeling. You truly let go of your stress and emotions! I used to do zumba and I always felt this way after!
I get my groove on daily. You know that old song “I Got the Music in Me” well I certainly do. I know it’s good for my body and didn’t realize it was so good for my brain but it makes perfect sense. Keep groovin’
As a little girl, I loved watching my parents dance the boogie and cha cha. They were great dancers! Sadly, I married a man with two left feet. Haha. I do dance by myself sometimes. It does feel good.
I dance all the time! Especially when we are cleaning the house, my kids, husband and I take a dance break. It’s so good for the soul.
I dance as often as I can, wherever I go. Like no one is watching. Even though, I am not the greatest, it’s fun.
Oh that’s the one thing I wish I could do. Unfortunately, I have two left feet, I don’t have rhythm lol.
But no one’s watching when you’re home alone!
I love dancing with my girls! We started dance parties when they were about 1, and do them quite often. I haven’t thought to have a dance party on my own. It would be fun to try the next time I’m home alone and needing a workout.
Yes, dancing is the best. My daughter does it often, and sometimes I join her. She has much better moves than I do.
Yes I love it! I have a daily dance party for my brain. Early in the mornin when I’m cleaning the house I’m caught dead to rights headphones in and me boppin with the broom.
I love a good dance break when I’m feeling stuck in my writing or just tired of sitting still. The kids like getting in on it too.
My sister teaches an exercise/dance class to seniors. First of all it is fun and second of all it is a good work-out without realizing you are working out! Dance on!!
I love this Carol. I do like to dance and sometimes dance alone. Now that I know it’s good for my brain, I’m going to dance away!
This is great advice. I need to dance more. I used to love to dance when I was young but somehow lost the incentive as I’ve grown older.
I always dance when I paint – with loud music!
I used to crank up the stereo and dance with my daughters. I haven’t done that in years!
So fun to watch babies start dancing even at that young age. Even more fun as they grow older. Always makes me smile and sometimes I even join in.
Dancing is just fun. I don’t do it in public but I do do it at home from time to time. My youngest loves to dance so sometimes we dance together, that’s my favorite.
I always dance at wedding receptions, etc, but I never think to have a dance party all by myself. I’m not that great of a dancer, but if I’m all alone, no one will notice.