We’re coming into the Fall season, which sends a breath of exhilaration through the hearts of many, just as it brings the relief of crisp cool evenings after a hot summer. The beauty of the leaves changing colors, smell of pumpkin spice candles, and warmth of a fire in the fireplace sounds like an idyllic picture, and for many people, it is. However, for others, this season can bring a sense of apprehension as the light of day grows steadily shorter and they begin to fall into a heavy mood. Those who suffer with what has been commonly called Seasonal Affective Disorder (Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern; DSM-V) often feel the change of season rumbling in like a dark storm cloud that blocks their light. Many of us are sensitive to this change to some extent or another, and there are ways of taking control of it instead of letting it take us over. For those who suffer greatly with SAD, checking in with a counselor for highly trained support is the best thing you can do for yourself. You never have to go it alone. Additionally, there is so much you can do to feel better. In fact, there is one surefire tip that works for nearly every symptom, and that is to DANCE IT OUT!
Feeling Schlumpy?
If you are feeling low on energy and wish you could just take a nap in the middle of the day, it can be hard to resist snuggling in. Instead, put on your favorite dance song and dance it out. This enlivens the mitochondria, the energy machines in each of your cells, to produce more energy to fuel your body. As much as possible, save your sleeping for night time hours, allowing your body to naturally take the cue to sleep when it is dark, and stay awake when it is light.
Feel Like You Are Running a Race You Didn’t Enter?
If you are feeling anxious or notice that your heart rate is up and breathing is fast like you are running a race, match it with exercise to allow your brain to reframe it. Put on a song with a great beat that makes your feet move, and dance it out. By dancing, walking, or running, you are giving your brain a chance to reset. Whether warranted or not, we get anxious because the amygdala, a tiny almond shaped, powerhouse communicator in the brain, puts out a high alert which signals a surge of adrenaline throughout the body to get you ready to either fight or run for your life. It is an instinctual response that is meant to keep us safe, but sometimes the amygdala acts more like the proverbial boy who cried wolf, occasionally making us believe we are in danger even when we are not. We don’t necessarily want to dull the amygdala’s ability to keep us safe, as we really do need its services sometimes. So, we need to be able to decipher if there is a threat. And if there isn’t, it is important to give the brain the message that it can return to Defcon 5, normal surveillance mode. Dancing away the excess adrenaline, while adding a sense of joy and fun to the mix gives a clear message that all is okay with the world. Even if you dance the length of only one song with a great beat, the process of recovery is put in place and the benefit continues for hours.
Hey, Who Turned the Lights Out?
If you are feeling depressed, like someone turned down the lights in your brain and you can’t quite find your way out, try to remember that dancing it out sends a surge of energy to your system that recharges your batteries and turns the lights back on. I know it can be hard sometimes to pick yourself up off the couch; I have felt that way before too, but it is so worth it. Make sure your playlist contains only your favorite songs that make you want to move it and shake it.
Carrying Too Much on Your Shoulders?
If stress is draining your energy and causing your neck and shoulder muscle to ache, as though you’ve been carrying around a backpack full of rocks… dance it out. Swing your hips and wave your arms in the air; you can even pretend to shed the rock-filled backpack as part of your dance routine. Dancing or moving for even 10 minutes every couple of hours can lift your spirits, relax your body, and help clear your mind, allowing you to find new perspectives.
When things are getting you down, or you’re feeling anxious or low…Dance it out!
Wheww! I just took a short break to dance it out to Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk with Bruno Mars, and I feel great!