Quick, what do Kevin Bacon and a group of European researchers have in common?
They share a simple solution for shedding stress: “Let’s dance!”
A recent study out of the University of Surrey, Radboud University, the University of Roehampton and the University of Southern Denmark provides scientific support for the longtime pop-culture refrain. The researchers examined various studies to explore how common components of dance – including music, rhythm, partnering, social contact, movement and physical activity – impact stress.
They found that dancing helps reduce stress hormones and lower anxiety while improving heart rate and blood pressure levels.
“It’s fascinating to see how something as enjoyable as dance can have profound effects on our mental health,” said study co-author Jonathan Skinner, an anthropologist at Surrey. “Our research shows that by dancing, we can tap into a natural stress-relief mechanism that enhances our resilience and helps us cope with daily pressures.”
The study was published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise.
