Yes, We’re Serious! Dancing is Good For Your Health!

When was the last time you danced? Dancing improves your physical, mental and emotional health. It can also make you more productive at work. And did we mention that dancing is fun? On International Dance Day and every day, get your groove on and dance.

Dancing is Good for Your Health

When you hit the dance floor, you get a full-body workout. Here are some more health benefits you get from dancing.

1. Help your heart. All dance styles provide a cardio workout, especially when you move with moderate to vigorous intensity.
2. Lose weight. Add dancing to your routine, and you may see slimming results from head to toe.
3. Improve memory. Learning movements and patterns while dancing can boost your memory and brain function.
4. Gain flexibility and balance. Whether you do high kicks or plies, dancing involves stretching and improves your coordination, stability and control. With flexibility and balance, you combat joint pain and everyday stiffness, plus reduce your risk of falling.
5. Reduce stress. Enjoy a good old-fashioned dance session – and groovy music – as you relieve tension, anxiety, depression, and stress. Dancing can even be part of your calming and centering meditation practice.
6. Boost confidence. As you move your body and learn new dance moves, you’ll grow more comfortable in your skin. You’ll discover newfound confidence, too, that motivates you to try even more new things at work and in your free time.
7. Increase energy. Your stamina and strength increase as you dance. The result is increased energy for all your gig economy jobs.
8. Solve problems. The next time you have a personal or professional problem to solve, dance. The movement will get your creative juices flowing and help you think outside the box.
9. Make friends. Positive relationships can boost your immunity, confidence and self-esteem. At dance class, you can make new friends of all ages and abilities.

Start Dancing to Your Favorite Songs

One of the best ways to add dancing to your daily routine is through music. We turn on our #GirlBoss playlist or tune in to our favorite Spotify channel and dance the day away. You could also show off your dance moves as you sing along to several all-time favorite dance tunes, including:

• Dancing Queen – ABBA
• Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson
• Groove Is in the Heart – Deee-Lite
• Hey Ya – Outkast
• I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
• One More Time – Daft Punk
• Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO
• Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson
• We Found Love – Rihanna

Consider Dancing Lessons

To take your dance moves to the next level, sign up for lessons. We recommend the dance classes on Skillshare, Udemy and Aaptiv. Your local dance studio and YouTube also offer dance classes for students of all levels, abilities and interests.

When selecting a dance class, consider the level of difficulty. Factor in your current dance skills, flexibility and fitness to ensure the class is challenging but not overwhelming.

You can also select a dance class genre based on your current interests. Or branch out and try a new-to-you style.

Improve Your Health With Dancing

Add fun to your daily routine and improve your health with dancing. It’s seriously good for you! Dance like no one’s watching or, even better, dance with people who can make it even more fun.

About the Author: Jennifer Turner writes web content for a variety of clients. As a gig worker, she understands the benefits and challenges of the industry, which is why she prioritizes daily self-care. Find her at WriterAccess.