DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING!

At SJV Music and Dance is an important part of out Performing Arts program and music is often used in the classroom to teach new concepts and prayer. Other benefits of music are that it can improve mood, decrease pain and anxiety, and facilitate opportunities for emotional expression. Research suggests that music can benefit our physical and mental health in numerous ways. So dance like no one is watching at home to brighten the mood and just have some fun!

It’s heart healthy. Research has shown that blood flows more easily when music is played. It can also reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, decrease cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increase serotonin and endorphin levels in the blood.
It elevates mood. Music can boost the brain’s production of the hormone dopamine. This increased dopamine production helps relieve feelings of anxiety and depression. Music is processed directly by the amygdala, which is the part of the brain involved in mood and emotions.
It reduces stress. Research has found that listening to music can relieve stress by triggering biochemical stress reducers.
It relieves symptoms of depression. When you’re feeling down in the dumps, music can help pick you up - much like exercise.
It stimulates memories. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia but music therapy has been shown to relieve some of its symptoms. Music therapy can relax an agitated patient, improve the mood and open communication in patients.
It manages pain. By reducing stress levels and providing a strong competing stimulus to the pain signals that enter the brain, music therapy can assist in pain management.
It eases pain. Music can meaningfully reduce the perceived intensity of pain, especially in geriatric care, intensive care or palliative medicine.
It increases workout endurance. Listening to those top workout tracks can boost physical performance and increase endurance during a tough exercise session.

So put on your favourite music and have a dance.

Jenny Willmott

jwillmott@sjvmulgrave.catholic.edu.au

Deputy Principal and Well Being Leader