Self Care Part 1: Movement
The Importance of Self-Care: How Dance and Wellness Can Help
Let’s talk self-care; self-devotion; self-love….whatever you want to call it. That moment you give to yourself. We’ll call it self-care for the sake of this blurb. Self-care is often overlooked. Period. Anyone else guilty of skipping that part of the day? Yet, taking time for ourselves is crucial for maintaining both mental and physical health. Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths or occasional treats; it’s about nourishing your mind, body, and soul, enabling you to show up as your best self in all areas of life.
My Story: The Start of My Self Care Journey
For years, I skipped taking care of myself and my well-being suffered. I sat behind a desk for hours and then went home, sat in front of the tv eating dinner as a way to decompress from the stressful, unfulfilling day. That was me for YEARS. Before that I was non-stop moving…dancing, cheering, walking, going from one place to another. Adulthood brought a big change of pace and not for the better. My eating habits weren’t great either. Take a lack of physical movement combined with poor nutrition and mental health and you get one miserable person. At least in my case. The moment I started moving my body again, everything changed. I was motivated to eat better which lead to a better state of mind. Now, I am not saying that solved all of my problems and I’m the happiest I’ll ever be and life is perfect. That would be boring. We are always growing and evolving, but these three key factors of life are ways to help make the journey more meaningful. Dance was, and always has been, my biggest form of self-care. I notice a difference in my attitude and my body when I haven’t gotten my daily dose of movement in.
Shining a Light on Self-Care Through Movement
One powerful way to practice self-care is through dance. Dance isn’t just fun; it has proven benefits for both emotional and physical well-being. Moving your body to music releases endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones that can lift your mood and reduce stress. It promotes physical fitness, increases flexibility, and improves posture, making it a holistic form of exercise. Dancing with friends is even better, bringing a whole other level to wellness benefits.
Beyond the physical benefits, dance connects us to our emotions and allows us to express ourselves in ways words often can’t. It’s a creative outlet that promotes mindfulness, as you focus on the rhythm and movement, leaving behind worries and distractions. Whether it’s a structured class or just dancing freely in your living room, dance can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall mood. Move that energy around!
Wellness, in its broader sense, is all about creating balance and finding harmony in your life—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Dance is a perfect fit within this framework because it combines exercise, mental stimulation, and emotional release. It encourages us to slow down, tune into our bodies, and be present. As part of a self-care routine, dance fosters a sense of joy and vitality that nurtures the soul.
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. I always have Mom guilt when I leave for a class but you can’t pour from an empty cup…and nobody wants to be around Mama when she hasn’t taken a moment for herself to breathe. Taking care of yourself ensures you have the energy, clarity, and resilience to navigate life’s challenges.
Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider dancing your stress away by putting on your favorite music and grabbing some friends (or performing your solo). I’m a big fan of 90s, 00s tunes to get those nostalgic vibes going.
How do practice self-care?
