By Dr Rajesh K Pillania
March 20 marks International Day of Happiness. Happiness is an essential ingredient for a fulfilling and good life.
People can add happiness to their lives in various ways. One interesting way to boost happiness is by dancing. Humans have practised dancing as an ancient art form integral to life and evolution. Dancing often forms part of daily life, bringing joy, laughter, and more to celebrations.
Impact of dancing on reducing stress and loneliness and creating happiness:
Research over the years has established the impact of dance in reducing stress and loneliness and increasing happiness. Expert in the field of dance and health sciences, Dr Alycia Fong Yan at The University of Sydney, has shown that structured dance can improve psychological wellbeing and, in some settings, help reduce distress and depressive symptoms.
Here are some of the key benefits of dancing for happiness:
First, dancing supports physical exercise, which is good for health, and health forms a primary requirement for happiness. J. Lu and colleagues reviewed studies in 2024 and found that dance interventions improved physical function, balance, postural control, and quality of life among middle-aged and older adults.
Second, dancing creates mental stimulation, engagement, and involves mental faculties, which is good for mental health, and mental health is one of the key ingredients of happiness, and expert in the field of dance and health sciences, Dr Alycia Fong Yan at The University of Sydney, found that structured dance is generally as effective as, and sometimes even more effective than, other forms of exercise for improving psychological and cognitive outcomes.
Third, dancing instils the feelings of excitement and enjoyment, and Julie, which is one way of happiness, and according to an Dr Alycia Fong Yan at The University of Sydney, and her colleagues, findings from multiple studies suggest that dance may especially support emotional wellbeing, motivation and lower distress.
Fourth, dancing brings people together. Dancing builds relationships and communities, which, in turn, are very important sources of lasting happiness. The World Health Organisation says strong social connections are essential for mental and physical health and wellbeing, while loneliness and isolation remain serious concerns worldwide.
Fifth, dancing is a good means of expressing, communicating, and connecting, which is associated with mental well-being and happiness. Dr Alycia Fong Yan at The University of Sydney has also reported that dance can support social cognition alongside psychological well-being, strengthening its role in expression, communication, and connection.
Sixth, dancing can help people find meaning in life and make life more meaningful, and the meaning of life is an essential part of happiness.
Seventh, dancing can help reduce stress and loneliness, both of which cause unhappiness worldwide. The World Health Organisation reports that about 1 in 6 people worldwide experience loneliness. Research led byDr Alycia Fong Yan at the University of Sydney shows that dance can help reduce distress and support mental health.
Eighth, dancing allows people to help others in various ways, such as teaching dance, organising dance events to bring people together, and using dance for social charity and other activities. Helping others remains an essential way toward happiness.
There are other benefits also. So, dancing may look simple, but it powerfully reduces stress and adds happiness to daily life.
Key insight and takeaway:
Dancing provides an interesting way to reduce stress and loneliness and add happiness to one’s life. Do not wait for special occasions, big events, or specific times. To enjoy the benefits, shake your legs at different times of day, make dancing part of your daily life, and reap the rewards that dancing offers.
Let’s dance our way towards happiness!
(The author is a Professor at the Management Development Institute, Gurgaon. He is popularly known as India’s Happiness Professor. His latest work is The Indian Practice of Happiness: Secrets from Centenarians)
