Dancing for Our Mental Health

My wife and I started dancing together as a way to enjoy each other's company and have some fun. We quickly found that dance was much more than that for us. It became our place of refuge, recreation, and an escape from the troubles of life.

We have faced many challenges in our lives, but dance has always been there for us. When my father was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, we found that dance was a way to cope with the stress and grief. We would dance together in the evenings after a long day of caregiving, and it would help us to relax and forget about our troubles for a while.

After my father passed away, we continued to dance as a way to heal. Dance helped us to process our grief and to find joy in life again. We also began to teach dance, which gave us a sense of purpose and helped us to connect with other people.

In 2022, we decided to focus on the Carolina Shag. We joined the Competitive Shaggers Association and began to learn from some of the best Carolina Shag dancers in the community. We have worked hard to improve our technique, and we have even competed in a few contests.

However, our recent experience with my brother's mental health has reminded us of the importance of dance for our mental health. We have found that dance is a way to release stress, to express our emotions, and to find joy in life.

So, if you see us dancing and you see a few flaws, know that we are not dancing to perfect the dance. We are dancing for our own mental health and to be able to greet tomorrow with hope and a smile.

Dance is a powerful tool that can help us to cope with stress, grief, and other challenges in life. If you are looking for a way to improve your mental health, I encourage you to give dance a try. You may be surprised at how much it can help you.

Here are some of the benefits of dance for mental health:

• Reduces stress and anxiety. Dancing releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It can also help to distract you from your worries and to focus on the present moment.
• Improves mood. Dancing can help to lift your spirits and to make you feel more positive. It can also help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Increases self-confidence. Learning new dance steps and performing in front of others can help to boost your self-esteem.
• Improves physical health. Dancing is a form of exercise, which can help to improve your cardiovascular health, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and help you to lose weight.

If you are interested in trying dance for your mental health, here are a few tips:

• Find a style of dance that you enjoy. There are many different styles of dance, so there is sure to be one that you will enjoy.
• Start slowly. If you are new to dance, start with simple steps and gradually work your way up to more complex ones.
• Find a supportive community. Dancing with others can help you to feel more connected and supported.

I hope this blog post has inspired you to give dance a try for your mental health. Dancing can be a great way to improve your mood, reduce stress, and boost your self-esteem. So, what are you waiting for? 

Get out there and start dancing!