Performing Arts for Everyone

How Dance Classes Can Help You Overcome Depression

Depression is a condition that causes a person to have a lowered mood and have an overall sense of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and despair. Dance classes provide people with social connections, increased energy comparable to exercise and help with the alleviation of stress. Read on to find out more about how dance can help you beat depression.

Improve social connections

A decrease in social connections can lead to depression. People who are depressed are more likely to isolate themselves from their friends and family because they feel self-conscious or ashamed of their condition. If you are suffering from depression, a dance class can help you to reconnect with others in a safe and friendly environment.

Combat stress

Being able to relieve stress through dance is one of the best things about dance classes. It allows people to exercise their muscles, burn off calories and release tension. Stress can be a contributing factor when it comes to depression so anything you can do to combat it could help you to improve your mental health.

Increase your energy levels

Dance classes are designed to take the stress out of exercising by leading students through various routines that are fun and easy to do. The end result is that students feel more energetic after they complete the exercise because they've done something that will leave them feeling good for hours afterwards. This is great news for those struggling with their mental health as depression can often lead to reduced energy levels.

Find a sense of purpose

While most people use exercise to stay fit, people who are suffering from depression can use it to try and get their life back on track. Living with depression can often leave people feeling like they have no purpose in life. However, attending a dance class on a regular basis can help you to rediscover the idea that there is a reason to be in the world.

Live in the moment

Dance can help you to achieve a flow state. A flow state is when you forget about the world and become completely immersed in an activity. This is a positive state and can help your mental health by distracting you from the factors that may be causing your depression. You can use dance to get into a flow state by focusing on the music and the movement of your body.

If you're interested in attending a dance class, contact a local performing arts centre today.