Dance It Out!
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Welcome to day 8 of the Mindful Movement challenge, powered by Humana!
You already know how physical activity benefits your mental and emotional health. Now let’s add another element into the mix: Music. Research proves that music has a positive effect on emotional well-being, including:
- Improving mood
- Decreasing anxiety
- Managing stress
If you want to take the mental health benefits of exercise up a notch, let’s combine music and movement. Set aside time to play 2 upbeat, feel-good songs like ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams, and ‘Good Times’ by Chic. Groove with a loved one or by yourself — the point is that you’re moving and enjoying the music. Focus on what you feel and hear — how it feels to move your body, the sound of the instruments, and the words in the song.
Not crazy about dancing? Close the curtains, turn off the lights, and dance in the dark. If no one can see you, there’s no need to worry about what you look like. Be free in the movement and the music without judgement.
If you’d rather take a more choreographed approach, try a dance exercise class such as:
- Zumba
- Jazzercise
- Neuromuscular Integrative Action (NIA)
- Aerobics
- Cardio drumming
BONUS: Try one of the guided dancing meditations in the Headspace app! All HNHN members have access to a free one-year trial of Headspace, where you can access Salsa 101, Flamenco 101, Kuku 101, and other dances.
Tell us what songs you dance to today. Share your experience with us in in the challenge update thread here. Better yet, show us! You can post a photo in our private Facebook group, or on Twitter, or Instagram. Tag us with #healthynurse.
Find this helpful? Use the social media links on the left side of your page to share it with a nurse and invite them to join Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation!
Missed day 7? Catch up here. Join us on day 9.
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Challenge Tips
10/20/2021 2:18pm CDT
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