The Overlooked Habit That'll Make Your Brain Thank You (and Maybe Even Do a Happy Dance)
This week, I want to talk about something that rarely makes it to our priority list.
In fact, most of us don’t even consider it. But if you can spare just four minutes to read this, I promise it’ll be worth your time.
Why is it that when we talk about the problems harming us, we’re all ears, yet when we discuss ways to prevent those harms, our attention mysteriously vanishes?
Let me give you an example:
The other day, a friend shared a post about gaslighting—what it is and how it affects people. Great topic, right? So, I clicked on the post and read through the comments.
To my surprise, most people were already aware of gaslighting and chimed in to agree on how awful it is. But here’s what struck me: We’re quick to nod along about the problem, yet when it comes to taking steps to prevent gaslighting—like boosting self-esteem, improving mental resilience, and mastering non-violent communication—we stop short.
Why?
Because prevention isn’t as sexy as pointing fingers at the problem. But prevention is where the magic happens. And one powerful tool for this is something most of us overlook entirely:
Dancing.
Wait—don’t leave just yet. Stick with me here.
I get it. Dancing isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when we think about mental fitness. There are plenty of reasons people shy away from it:
Fear of being judged (which, let’s be honest, we all wrestle with).
Comparing ourselves to professionals, as if our moves don’t count unless they’re stage-worthy.
Thinking we’re “not good at it” (spoiler: skills improve with practice).
But here’s the thing: Dancing isn’t about perfection. It’s about freedom.
So, imagine this:
You put on your headphones, go somewhere no one can see you, play your favourite song, and just…move. No choreography, no audience, no rules. Just you and the music.
And here’s the golden rule: Don’t judge yourself.
What happens next? Your brain kicks into gear like a finely tuned orchestra, and amazing things start happening:
The Brain-Boosting, Soul-Lifting Benefits of Dance
8 benefits of dance on our brain.
Strengthening Neural Connections Learning new moves builds fresh neural pathways, keeping your mind sharp and youthful. Studies even show dancing can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline.
Lighting Up Your Brain Dancing activates multiple brain regions, including:
Boosting Happiness Hormones Dancing releases dopamine (the “pleasure” hormone) and serotonin (the “happiness” hormone), flooding you with feelings of joy, satisfaction, and calmness.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety It lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and acts as a moving meditation, soothing your mind and body.
Improving Memory and Focus Complex dance routines strengthen memory and cognitive agility by training your brain to retain and sequence movements.
Aligning Mind and Body Dancing deepens the connection between your mind and body, improving motor skills and physical awareness.
Sparking Creativity Freestyle dance stimulates the creative right hemisphere of your brain, encouraging improvisation and innovative thinking.
Strengthening Social Bonds Group dances or partner routines release oxytocin (the “bonding” hormone), fostering deeper connections with others.
In short, dancing isn’t just fun—it’s therapy for your soul and a workout for your brain.
So, next time you’re feeling stuck, stressed, or unmotivated, why not give it a try?
Find your favourite song, crank it up, and let your body take the lead.
Your brain—and your soul—will thank you.
P.S. I post some of my "daily dose of dance" clips on my Instagram page - feel free to check it out - it might inspire you to join the movement! #DDD💃🏻