Scientist Confirms That Dancing Is Good For The Brain

Dancing is a fun physical activity, exercise and a form of expression, but it is also helps the brain function.
Several researches show that in addition to providing great exercise, dancing improves your cognitive function.

According to Better Health Channel, whether you’re a professional dancer or a person who enjoys going dancing with friends, dancing is proven to make you smarter, reduce stress, and lower your risk of dementia (a type of brain disease). This is why dancing is so good for your brain:

Dancing makes you smarter – Dancing improves your cognitive skills and prepares your brain for learning. As you dance your body is pumping blood to your brain, which supplies it with the glucose and oxygen it needs to function well. According to a recent report, dancing causes the hippocampus and cerebral cortex in your brain to rewire and function better. As you think about what step you need to take next, new neural paths form and improve the transmission of information.

Dancing lowers the risk of dementia (A type of brain disease) – A group of researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York found dancing not only makes you smarter, but also it reduces your risk of dementia.  The researchers studied senior citizens aged 75 and older to find out how recreational activities affect the mental acuity in aging. They found 76% of people who frequently danced showed fewer signs of dementia, in comparison to other physical and cognitive activities.

Dancing reduces stress and depression – As with other vigorous physical activities, dancing increases the serotonin and endorphin levels in your brain. Serotonin and endorphins, known as neurotransmitters, are important brain chemicals that affect your mood and energy levels. When you dance, your body naturally releases neurotransmitters, which reduces stress and depression.

Other benefits of dancing include: improved condition of your heart and lungs, improved muscle tone and strength, weight management, increased physical confidence, improved mental functioning, improved general and psychological well-being, greater self-confidence self-esteem, and better social skills.

Making dancing a regular activity can produce surprising benefits for your brain and overall well-being.

So, next time you’re thinking about turning down a dance lesson or going out with friends, think again.