In the hustle and bustle of modern life, stress and trauma can sometimes overwhelm our emotional well-being. So it’s no surprise that so many of us are looking for a healthy outlet. And what’s healthier than dancing your stress away? I know, it does sound silly at first. However, there’s actually some research backing up the effectiveness of dance therapy. And we’re talking about both — our mental and physical wellbeing. That’s why we decided to take a closer look, and introduce you to the magic that comes with practicing dance as therapy.
The Science of Dance Therapy
Dance therapy, known as dance/movement therapy (DMT), is a therapeutic approach that harnesses the power of movement and dance to support emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. At its core, this form of therapy acknowledges the deep connection between the body and the mind. Through movement, individuals should be able to communicate and process emotions that may be challenging to articulate in words. After all, the body remembers traumas long after the mind has forgotten them.
While there are actually dance/movement therapy sessions available, using dance therapy for your benefit can be as easy as dancing to your favorite Taylor Swift album at home. Have you ever been so high on the music and dance movements, that your mind just shuts off and ends up in a state of meditation? Well, that’s no coincidence. Remember, our bodies were created to move. And what’s a more enjoyable way to move them than by dancing?
Dancing Off Emotional Knots
It’s no secret that trauma can leave indelible emotional scars on our mental well-being. It can even cause us to disconnect from our own bodies. Dance therapy, on the other hand, can help us reconnect by helping us focus on physical sensations, and therefore regaining a sense of control and self-awareness. Dancing as a physical expression allows us to convey feelings of anger, sadness, or fear in a healthy and constructive manner. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to look good. The only point is to make us feel better.
Additionally, engaging in dance fosters a sense of empowerment. As individuals learn to move with intention and grace, they gradually regain a feeling of mastery over their bodies. This can be particularly empowering following a traumatic experience. It’s also a great way to connect socially. Group dance therapy sessions offer individuals the opportunity to connect with others who have also experienced trauma. Sharing this experience can reduce feelings of isolation and promote healing through mutual support.
How Dance Therapy Works
Are you still a bit skeptical about how dance therapy works? Well, it’s actually not that complicated. Engaging in physical activity, such as dancing, triggers the release of endorphins – the body’s natural mood lifters. This release helps combat stress and enhance overall well-being. Dance therapy simply provides an effective avenue for managing and mitigating stress.
Dance redirects one’s focus away from stressors and toward the present moment. This redirection fosters mindfulness, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote mental tranquility. Lastly, it also serves as a creative outlet for expressing emotions. This creative dimension aids individuals in processing and coping with stressors in a more effective and meaningful manner.
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