Dancing Makes You Happy
1. Dance Improves Self-Confidence (Sherry Graves)
There’s no denying that the teenage years can be tough for girls, as they often feel pressured to look perfect and behave a certain way. This can lead to low self-confidence and high levels of stress and anxiety. Luckily, researchers in Sweden found that teenage girls who attend weekly dance classes have higher self-esteem and improved mental health. These benefits often lasted for many months!
2. Dance Reduces Anxiety
The hormones released during exercise – called endorphins – are known to improve your mood. However, Psychology Today explained that people who dance often experience more benefits than those who simply run or hit the gym. Dance can lead to a calm demeanor, improved mood and better sense of control. This can be especially helpful for dancers who are having a hard time in school or their personal lives. Not only does escaping to the studio allow students to express themselves creatively, it also gets those good hormones flowing!
3. Dancing Alleviates Stress
People tend to recommend activities like yoga or meditation for stress relief, but a study from the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine showed that dance might edge out both these activities. The researchers found that tango classes lowered individuals’ stress levels more than meditation. In this study, dancing was associated with positive emotions, better self-esteem and lessened anxiety. What’s better than that?
These scientifically proven facts are surely impressive, but nothing speaks quite as loud as the smiles on your dancers faces after a great performance. You should be proud that your studio not only teaches a beautiful art form to students of all ages, but that is also contributes to the well-being of youth in your community.
Why dancing makes us happy?
When we dance our brain releases endorphins, hormones which can trigger neurotransmitters that create a feeling of comfort, relaxation, fun and power. Music and dance do not only activate the sensory and motor circuits of our brain, but also the pleasure centers.
Indeed, neuroscientists at Columbia University say that when we move in tune with the rhythm, the positive effects of music are amplified. Therefore, a little secret to make the most of the music is to synchronize our movements with the beat, so we will be doubling the pleasure.
However, the magic of dancing can not simply be reduced to brain chemistry. Dancing is also a social activity that allows us connect with the others, share experiences and meet new people, which has a very positive effect on our mental health.
What’s more, as we move, our muscles relax to the music, which allows us to free ourselves of the tension built up during the day, especially the one accumulated in the deepest part of the musculature.
JENNIFER DELGADO
Original post: https://psychology-spot.com/dancing-makes-me-happy/
The Daily Kindness Digest #1256
Kindness Quote
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Act of Kindness
Know someone who is struggling with the ups and downs of life? Gift them an inspirational book that has uplifted you and given you hope in times of need.
Positive Affirmation
Today I am understanding. I can’t always get exactly what I want, but I accept that compromise is oftentimes the best solution.
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1255
Kindness Quote
“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”
John Wooden
Act of Kindness
Know someone looking for a job? Lend a hand and assist them with their job search or résumé writing. Your guidance could help them land an opportunity of a lifetime.
Positive Affirmation
Today I am RESOURCEFUL! I have so much to offer and I will use my resources to make my mark on this world!
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1254
Kindness Quote
“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”
Malala Yousafzai
Act of Kindness
Donate old books to the library. It may very well become someone else’s all-time favorite.
Positive Affirmation
Today I GIVE! I take the time to help those in my community.
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1253
Kindness Quote
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.”
Mother Teresa
Act of Kindness
Before you leave class, thank your teacher for a great lesson. Two small words with a big impact.
Positive Affirmation
Today I will remember to say thank you for everything that people do for me. People like to feel appreciated and I would want the same in return!
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1252
Kindness Quote
“Love the world as you love yourself.”
Lao Tzu
Act of Kindness
Our environment needs a little loving. Start becoming mindful of recycling. It may take you an extra moment to find a garbage can or recycling bin, but think of the impact. Let’s take a step toward a cleaner world for us all.
Positive Affirmation
Today I know I am significant and not small. I have as much brightness to light up the world as anyone.
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1251
Kindness Quote
“Life is short but there is always time for courtesy.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Act of Kindness
Be polite on the phone today!
Positive Affirmation
Today I am polite. I go out of my way to make others feel welcome and included.
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1250
Kindness Quote
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart.”
Helen Keller
Act of Kindness
Memories can re-create special moments. Reach out to an old friend and reminisce about a time you both shared together.
Positive Affirmation
Today is a day for me to reconnect with an old friend! We all need to be reminded of our past in order to plan for the future.
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1249
Kindness Quote
“Your past is not your future. You have the power to make new decisions for your life starting today.”
Deb Sofield
Act of Kindness
Create a list of goals for the day, the week, the year. You have an immense amount of potential and can achieve more than you can imagine. First step is reminding yourself of that!
Positive Affirmation
Today I will let myself GO and achieve things I want! I will set realistic goals and lay out a plan to achieve them!
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1248
Kindness Quote
“You can’t always sit in your corner of the forest and wait for people to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
Winnie the Pooh
Act of Kindness
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Positive Affirmation
Today I choose to call a friend with an apology instead of waiting for them to call first. Being the first to admit I am wrong will make me feel better in the long run.
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1247
Kindness Quote
“The course of true love never did run smooth.”
William Shakespeare
Act of Kindness
Open your heart and tell someone, “I love you.” It may be scary to say, but it’s worth putting your heart on the line.
Positive Affirmation
Today I will tell someone how I feel about them, we can’t expect others to give us a chance until we give ourselves a chance.
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1246
Kindness Quote
“Most of us spend too much on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.”
Stephen Covey
Act of Kindness
Plan a sit-down no-tech roommate night.
Positive Affirmation
Today I stop and smell the roses! Instead of focusing on the past or worrying about the future, I take time out to appreciate the simple and beautiful things that life has to offer.
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1245
Kindness Quote
“The measure of your life will not be in what you accumulate, but what you give away.”
Dr. Wayne Dyer
Act of Kindness
Give an anonymous donation, of any amount, to a cause you care about.
Positive Affirmation
Today I enjoy sharing my life with someone. There is so much love in my heart and I can’t wait to give it to others!
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1244
Kindness Quote
“The only people with whom you should try to get even with are those who have helped you.”
John E. Southard
Act of Kindness
Send a letter of appreciation to someone who has made your life memorable and meaningful. Knowing that we are appreciated propels us to give forward even greater. What better time to show gratitude than on this special day.
Positive Affirmation
Today I appreciate the people in my life. They’ve all made me the person I am today. They form the universe of stars that make up my life.
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1243
Kindness Quote
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”
Lao Tzu
Act of Kindness
Create a kindness kit: Fill a bag with socks, a blanket, mouthwash, gloves, a snack, and anything else you can think of. Keep it in your trunk ready to give to someone in need this holiday season.
Positive Affirmation
Today I appreciate the importance of the small, seemingly insignificant acts of kindness others do. I recognize that an act of kindness does not end with itself and so I will cherish each opportunity that comes my way.
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The Daily Kindness Digest #1242
Kindness Quote
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
Charles Dickens
Act of Kindness
Out running errands? Ring a couple of friends or family members to ask if they need something while you’re out.
Positive Affirmation
I have the ability to make people feel they’re not alone. I will be there for them to listen, and to help in any way that I can.