Nine times out of 10, I’m playing music while I cook. After meals, we turn the music up loud and the whole family chips in to clean up. I love this little tradition my family has and it turns out that it may offer more benefits than you might think. Dancing is obviously good for you – physically and mentally. We don’t need a study to tell us something our body intuitively knows. But for the sake of fun little editorial, let’s take a look at the various reasons why dancing in the kitchen is good for your physical and mental well-being, as supported by scientific studies and expert opinions.

1. Improved Sleep and Reduced Fatigue

A systematic review of studies on the physiological and psychological benefits of dance revealed some fascinating insights. One study found that daytime fatigue in individuals aged 15-24 significantly decreased after an 8-month dance intervention, which included 48 classes over 24 weeks. Not only did participants report feeling less fatigued, but they also experienced improved sleep quality. This included falling asleep easier, having less worried sleep, and waking up less frequently during the night.

2. Relief from Abdominal Pain and IBS

Another intriguing finding from the systematic review was that dance and yoga proved more effective than conventional healthcare methods in relieving abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in girls aged 9-13. This suggests that incorporating dance into your routine can have a positive impact on gastrointestinal health, particularly for young individuals.

3. Stress Reduction and Cortisol Levels

Stress is an everyday challenge for many of us, but dancing can be a simple and effective way to combat it. Research published in Psychiatric Times showed that dancing can reduce stress and lower cortisol levels. The joy of movement can provide a mental escape from stressors, allowing for cognitive rest and mental recovery. It encourages creative playfulness and fosters a “come as you are” attitude, promoting self-acceptance.

4. Social Inclusion and Emotional Release

Dancing is a social activity that can create bonds and enhance feelings of inclusion. Whether you dance alone or with others in your kitchen, it offers a sense of community and connection. Moreover, dancing helps you take a break from your problems, allowing you to release pent-up energy and focus on what you have instead of what’s broken.

5. Cognitive Benefits and Brain Health

According to a New York Times article, dancing isn’t just good for your body; it’s also beneficial for your brain. Brain scans of individuals around 68 years old who engaged in social dance showed an increase in the size of the hippocampus, a region critical for learning, memory, and equilibrium. Dancing improved balance and gait, enhanced cognitive function, and was associated with a reduced risk of dementia compared to other physical activities.

Dancing involves multiple brain functions simultaneously, including kinesthetic, rational, musical, and emotional aspects, which can increase neural connectivity and boost cognitive health.

In conclusion, dancing in the kitchen is not only a delightful way to pass the time but also a powerful tool for improving your physical and mental well-being. It can help you sleep better, reduce stress, foster social connections, and enhance your cognitive function. So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, don’t hesitate to turn up the music, let loose, and dance your way to better health and happiness. Remember, as physiotherapist and health sciences researcher, Anna Duberg said, “The human ability to use bodily movement to increase mental health is perhaps one of the most underutilized tools that we have.” So, embrace the rhythm and start moving to it!

If you need some tunes to get groovin’, check out my Dancing in the kitchen playlist on Spotify.