Dance like nobody is watching

Dance like nobody is watching...

Your mind and body will thank you for it!

by Elisa Raffaelli | Head of Brand | @er_theshoequeen

I often get asked why I dance all the time. No matter where I am – on the street, in a club, at home or at my desk – if a song makes my feet itch, I will throw some moves! Why? Simply because it makes me feel so good! However, “dance like nobody is watching” is easier said than done. Often people are scared to dance because they lack coordination or fear being judged. Do not underestimate the power of dancing. It can be fun and count as your cardio for the day but it is so much more!

First, dancing is universal. It works for all ages, genders and shapes. No matter how long or how fast you dance, dancing is a great cardio exercise. It can be a gentle exercise you can adapt to your own pace, style and abilitie. Its freedom of execution makes you more in control. No matter your level, it can be fun and regularly practised because it does not feel like a chore. It also helps you to improve your coordination and balance. You can develop certain muscles that influence your centre of gravity. This can help reduce dangerous falls as you age.

"Dance can change the way you think"

When learning a dance routine or move, regardless of complexity, you must understand the steps and be able to repeat it. When dancing with a partner, you must understand and know the signs to coordinate your dancing. These stimuli have the ability to keep your brain sharp. Several studies have shown that leisure activities like dancing can reduce the risk of dementia when performed regularly 1 . The NHS recommends dancing to improve mental health 2 . Dancing releases a flow of happy hormones in our body which helps fight depression and anxiety. It also encourages social relationships and helps people feel part of a community, which is fundamental to improving mood and mental health.

"Dancing helps fight depression"

I recently discovered that dancing can impact your thought process and how to handle your day-to-day problems. I attended a talk led by Peter Lovatt 3 , dance psychologist and a former dancer. He explained that dance can change the way you think. With simple exercises, he made clear how much a common language dance can be and how to use it as a problem-solving technique. If you feel stuck and cannot find a solution, if your creative mind lacks inspiration or if you need to reinvigorate your productivity, just turn the music on and move with it.

Armed with this knowledge, I made my way back to my office and tried this method with my creative team whenever we struggled to find new ideas or productivity was low. Once we passed the awkward moment of “gosh we have to dance in the middle of the office”, the team started to feel happier, more relaxed and created a stronger bond and before we knew it, new ideas popped up. Surprised with the outcome and ease in being able to speak the same language through moves and no words, we kept using this tool as a go-to for inspiration or stress relief. You do not need much to dance, just a good soundtrack. Press play and get ready to inspire your body and your mind!