Learn How To Dance And Get Smarter
April 14, 2010 by Simone Brooks
Filed under Fitness
Dancing has numerous health benefits, most people are aware of that. However, most people focus only on physical benefits. You know – decreased blood pressure and cholesterol, lower risk of coronary heart disease, improved posture and balance, increased stamina, and on and on we could go.
All this is, of course, very true. Dancing is a high intensity aerobic activity and it brings many positive health benefits. But most people look at it only as a physical exercise. It’s more than that. Recent studies showed that it’s also a great mind exercise.
It’s all about mind workout. If you didn’t know it already, our brains need exercise as much as our bodies. Because dancing requires a significant amount of brain activity, it’s a perfect form of brain workout. You won’t become the next Einstein, of course, but this kind of exercise is a great way to keep your brain operating at the peak performance. This is especially important for senior citizens and will help them maintain the focus and clarity, and ward off certain mental diseases.
While dancing, there is a lot of activity going on in the brain at the same time. It seems like synapses and neurons are dancing as well. Just think about all the things that are involved: complicated motion, communication, music, reaction time, focus, emotions, memory (to remember the steps), quick decision making, and so on.
Activities like dancing also promote the creation of new neurological paths. This process is called neurogenesis. It was observed that it happens in various areas in the brain. This is like strengthening muscles with physical exercise, only it happens in the brain. In a way it strengthens it. Stronger and healthier brain is less susceptible to neurodegenerative disorders.
There you go. Now you know that dancing is not only good for your body, but also for your mind. Fun and healthy, what more could you ask for. So what are you waiting for – go dance and sweat your brain.
If you don’t know how to dance, check out dance for beginners and start moving. The sooner the better.
