01/15/2025
A new study indicates that dancing is one of the best forms of treatment for depression.
Australian researchers have published a study that shows that the best form of exercise to treat depression is dancing, beating out several exercises including walking or jogging, yoga, tai chi, and strength training among others. The study aimed to identify what kind of exercise would be best for treating major depressive disorder, either in tandem or compared to the prescription of psychotherapy, and antidepressants.
Through 218 different studies with 14,170 participants, the researchers found that moderate reductions were made across the board with exercise, more so than simply prescribing participants with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Dancing stood at the top of the data charts in terms of the largest reductions in depression symptoms, while exercises like walking or jogging, yoga, and aerobic exercise with therapy were runners-up. In different demographics, the effects of exercises and standard treatment differed.
Psych Central says that the mere act of dancing can lead to benefits such as increased neurotransmitter activity in your brain as well as improved self-esteem and enhanced mindfulness.
Dancing can reportedly act as a form of somatic therapy, a kind of therapy that relies on bodily movement for emotional release. Whether it’s dancing alone in your room to your favourite song, or on the dancefloor surrounded by friends and strangers alike, it turns out dancing might be a lot more powerful than we’ve come to believe.
Source: The Independent
