Feeling down? The solution may be as close as your living room. Learn how dance can help you overcome depression and make you alert, active, and happy in a surprisingly short time.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that causes extreme sadness and loss of pleasure. People with depression can experience problems thinking, concentrating, making decisions, remembering things, and feeling social. These symptoms are consistent with a lowered activity in the frontal cortex, which controls moods.
Why people develop depression
Depression can arise for many different reasons, but the most common cause is related to how people feel about themselves. When people lack confidence or self-esteem, it can lead to feelings of sadness and despair. People with depression also often experience issues with family relationships, work, and whether they have less motivation to do normal daily activities.
What To Look For
Depression can be difficult to identify in oneself, so it’s useful if you have someone who can always keep an eye out for the signs. A few signs are oversleeping and waking up feeling exhausted in the morning; withdrawing from others; losing interest in activities one used to enjoy; suicidal thoughts; an increase in anger and irritability; trouble concentrating or remembering things that just happened; decreased energy levels; changes in weight; sleeping too much; sleeping too little.
How dance helps with Depression
There are many ways to cope with depression. Studies show that by exercising and leading a healthy lifestyle, it is possible to help the depressed brain to return back to normal functioning. Dancing has been shown to trigger the brain reward system, and by engaging in this type of activity on a continual basis, people can reduce cravings for other unhealthy pleasures. Dance also triggers endorphins which promote an overall feeling of low pressure and reduced stress.
Conclusion
Dance can be exactly what people need to break out of depression. You might not think that you have the energy or time for something like dance. However, it has been shown that these benefits come from just a few moments every day, focusing on breathing and body movement, and spending some time focusing on your innermost thoughts. Dancing is a form of self-expression that can be freeing and even life-changing.
