Calano, Dhan Yansey G.
PFT0102 – SEC 13
Could the secret for better mental fitness and physical body be as straightforward as
dancing? For many of us, a dance is really only seen or regarded as any form of expressive art,
whereas this great and powerful activity heals and nurtures both the human body and human mind.
The simple blend between rhythm and movement makes dance a good activity to improve our
overall health. Through dance we are able to gain such physical advantages, such as better
cardiovascular fitness and flexibility, matched with its mental benefits, that includes boosted self-
confidence and relief from stress. This makes dance a great means to improve health and well-
being, for there is harmony between mental engagement and physical movement.
Doing dance regularly is a great way to enhance our physical health. According to Douka
et al. (2019), dance combines movement and music, stimulating multiple senses and contributing
to better balance, postural stability, flexibility, and physical reaction time. Physically, dance aids
in improving muscle tone and coordination, as well as keeping one's healthy weight, and it also
helps improve one's cardiovascular health. Apart from those physical things one can derive from
dancing, there are mental benefits which make dancing an effective activity for improving well-
being. Jeong et al. (2005) found that dance movement therapy can reduce negative psychological
symptoms by modulating serotonin and dopamine levels, suggesting therapeutic benefits for
managing depression. Mentally, dance relieves stress, boosts self-esteem, and enhances our mood
since it releases endorphins. These benefits we can gain from dance contributes to a more healthy
lifestyle, where we individuals not only feel lot stronger but also have the clarity in our minds, that
makes dance a good activity in achieving a balanced lifestyle.
To sum it up, dance is such an activity that promotes both the physical and mental well-
being. Its rhythmic movement and music enhance physical fitness by improving cardiovascular
health, flexibility, and coordination of muscles but also provide relief to the mental part by
lessening stress levels and enhancing the self-esteem level. As revealed by researches, dance gives
a holistic way to well-being, making for a stronger body and a clearer mind. Through dance, we
can do much in order to move towards a more balanced and healthy lifestyle.
References:
Douka, S., Zilidou, V. I., Lilou, O., & Manou, V. (2019). Traditional dance improves the physical
fitness and well-Being of the elderly. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 11.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00075
Tao, D., Gao, Y., Cole, A., Baker, J. S., Gu, Y., Supriya, R., Tong, T. K., Hu, Q., & Awan-Scully,
R. (2022). The physiological and psychological benefits of ance and its effects on children
and adolescents: A systematic review. Frontiers in physiology, 13.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.925958
