Are you depressed? Figure out how dancing can help you. No question that our society has become a quick fix, pop a pill culture. Depression is a serious illness that requires medication for some but unfortunately many unnecessarily take the prescription drug instead of dealing with the issues of their lives. According to CNN’s report of a U.S. Centers for Disease Control study, antidepressants have become the most regularly prescribed drugs in the United States. “They’re prescribed more than drugs to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, or headaches. The study looked at 2.4 billion drugs prescribed in visits to doctors and hospitals in 2005. Of those, 118 million were for antidepressants.”
Only you and your doctor can fully determine what medications are medically necessary for your body and mind. However, interesting research shows how an activity as simple as dancing can improve your mood and minimize depression.
Psychology Today, found multiple research studies that showed the mood altering benefits of dance.
1. A study at the University of Derby found that “depressed patients given salsa dancing lessons improved their moods significantly by the end of the nine-week, hip-swiveling therapy. Researchers cite the endorphin boost of exercise, plus the social interaction and concentration that dancing requires, and the increased self-confidence from learning a new skill.”
2. A German study of music and partner dancing stating, “22 tango dancers had lower levels of stress hormones and higher levels of testosterone after dancing with partners, and they felt sexier and more relaxed.”
3. A University of New England study researched “participants who spent six weeks learning tango’s fancy footwork recorded significantly lower levels of depression than a control group who took no classes, and results similar to those of a third group who took meditation lessons. Study author Rosa Pinniger credits the extreme focus—or ‘mindfulness’—of dance, which interrupts negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety and depression.”
Take it from me, dance is hidden gem with a multitude of health benefits. It’s one of the best ways to lose weight, have fun and live positively. Learn how we did it from our Salsa Sexy book. Download it for free!
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