This Saturday Past-Time Can Improve Your Health during the COVID-19 Crisis

Spending all this time inside can be frustrating, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be things to look forward to. In my home, it’s Saturday dance parties.

Yep. On Saturdays, my partner and I pour a drink, log on to Instagram, and find a dance party to join. Then we dance the day away.

It’s great: we get some exercise, have our spirits lifted, and feel connected with others as we maneuver through this crisis. Even if you aren’t big on the idea of Instagram, turning on your radio or going through your own music collection will do the trick.

If you don’t have Instagram, it’s all good. I didn’t have it before a few weeks ago either. It’s pretty easy to use: just create an account and search for the musicians or DJ’s you like. If they are hosting live performances, just log in and they’ll bring the party to you!

Dancing can be a big help and a great form of exercise during the pandemic. In fact, I was talking to a neighbor yesterday who’s been having a pretty hard time during. He’s 65, lives alone, and has been struggling with anxiety and high blood pressure.

He made a point of saying that even though he’s not a big music fan, turning on his radio and dancing has helped relieve stress put him in a better mood.

When you dance and your limbs start to move, blood begins to pump a little more and your heart rate goes up a bit. Feel-good endorphins are released into the bloodstream that can boost mood and lower cortisol—the stress hormone.

The benefits move beyond mood. Dancing can also help with spatial awareness, strength, and balance. It is an aerobic workout that can promote lung and heart health. It can also help jog memories, as music can transport you through previous experiences.

If you’re looking for a way to break up some of the monotony and give a boost to your mental and physical health, pour a drink and do some dancing. It can do your brain and body good.