Dancing: Does it Make You Feel Good?

We face so much negativity in our lives now more than ever. With that in mind, I feel the need to offer some encouragement to do something that may help to take your mind off all the bad news. We are bombarded with news of layoffs, companies downsizing, home foreclosures, lost of investment and retirment savings and now the threat of the H1N1 Flu. Here is something that you can do to temporarily provide some relief. I must warn you that you will experience some stress relief and happiness, if only temporary. So get your favorite cd or music from your ipod, turn it up and start dancing.

Apart from being a great exercise, there is something about dancing that makes you smile. I don't believe that you can dance and not feel good, even if you are dancing soley for exercise. Dancing gets you to channel positive energy and stimulates your endorphins system, putting you in a good mood. The moral here is if you feel good, then you can face life's challenges with a better attitude.

Even if you do not feel like doing it, give it a whirl. Just dance like no one is watching you. Children can participate as well. My six year old son dances and it is amazing to watch him just letting go of his inhibition and going to the flow of the music. You can try it too. I suggest disco music, why disco? Disco's syncopated rhythm is conducive to get you moving. Raise your hands over your head; move them right to left. Let the music tell you how to move. Knod your head, stomp your feet, move your hips from side to side and let the music take you on a journey.

As you dance sing along to the words of the song. Do not think about anything other your dancing. As a matter of fact, do not think. Turn off your mind. Just dance. Don't feel embarrased, you are doing fine. Let the music speaks through you. Everyone can participate, even if you use a wheelchair or some other device for mobility.

Here is a list of favorite disco music of the 1970s

1. Stayin' Alive by Bee Gees
2. Boogie Wonderland by Earth Wind and Fire
3. You Should be Dancing by Bee Gees
4. September by Earth Wind and Fire
5. Don't Leave Me This Way by Thelma Houston
6. Jive Talk by Bee Gees
7. That's the Way (I like It) by KC and the Sunshine Band
8. Shake Shake Shake, Shake Your Booty by KC and the Sunshine Band
9. I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
10. Ring My Bell by Anita Ward

You do not have to go to a nightclub, even though that can be great! Dancing at a night club is synergistic and the positive energy charges as dancers are all moving and grooving to whatever is playing on the turn-table. It's a friendly competition as dancers push their bodies to the limit within the confined space of a packed dance floor. One can always identify the dancers who are having the most fun. They are usually the ones who dance like no-one is watching; they almost look like they are in a trance as the music takes them on a journey.

After dancing, you will feel better and will be able to face life's challenges with some enthusiasm, for sending out those endless resumes or countless phone calls/trips to your financial adviser's office. So go ahead and dance! I dare you to do so!

Next issue I talk about Zamba, a fun way to do aerobics!