Chronic stress may contribute to memory deterioration, increased distractibility, decreased concentration, anxiety, depression, maladaptive behavior and lifestyle patterns, chemical dependencies and acute or chronic illness. Under excessive stress physical tensions like headaches can develop into organic problems like high blood pressure and eventually into life-threatening crises, like strokes. In a study at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, undergraduates were asked to assess how they felt before and after a dance class, a gym class, or an academic class. Overall, the students in the dance class reported significantly greater increase in their feelings of well-being than the students in the other two classes. Dancing and fluid movement are great stimulators of endorphins without any jerky, disruptive movements or strains on the joints.
Endorphins are the body's feel-good hormones that give moods a natural lift.
Playful, unrestricted movement provides an opportunity for release, and takes your mind off whatever worries you have. You can express your unique feelings and get in touch with your unique self - quite the opposite of sitting at a desk or working at a computer. Complementary healthcare is the new field of preventative and alternative health modalities that complement medical health services. Integrating ancient and new technologies gives us the best of both worlds. Alternative therapies are often less toxic and less expensive, and can assist the healing process in a gentle way.