What’s that one song that draws you out of yourself, gets you to start singing or bust a move?
Last Saturday, I danced and shouted with a group of thirty-five women and men of all ages, sizes, and physical adroitness at a YMCA Zumba class in the DMV area where mid-December through mid-March, the days are colder, and shorter.
“Move your body to your own rhythm and capacity,” the instructor announced as she suggested modifications to the different dance moves. The class was particularly suited for extrovert, introverts, timid dancers, and the rhythmically challenged. There was no time to focus on other class members, and spontaneous whoops of delight and applause filled the air at the end of each song.
When the music was particularly sweet, and the instructor played one of my favorite songs, Aye Selena Woulda Love This, I shimmed harder and jumped higher. At that moment, I could see how the Zumba class with its salsa, Afrobeat, cumbia, reggae, and merengue was the perfect antidote for the winter blues, also known as (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
Besides planning a get-away to the tropics, here are a few strategies to deploy should you find yourself grappling with SAD throughout the winter months.
1) Listen to your favorite put me in a good mood song in the privacy of your home;
2) Get physical and set aside time to dance to your favorite songs;
3) Follow along and dance to a YouTube Zumba class video at home; and
4) If you are feeling more adventurous, register and attend a Zumba class at your local YMCA or community gym.
Besides providing structure, and social connection, a Zumba class combines aerobic exercise with rhythmic movements which can trigger the release of endorphins and serotonin – chemicals in the brain that promote happiness and reduce stress. The upbeat nature of Zumba’s choreography and music stimulates both the body and mind, helping to counteract the sluggishness and fatigue common in SAD. Additionally, the lively and motivational music in Zumba activates the brain’s reward system, fostering a sense of joy and enthusiasm. This can be especially uplifting during the darker months because SAD often disrupts routines, leading to irregular sleep patterns and a lack of motivation. Attending scheduled Zumba classes provides a structured activity, which encourages consistency and reinforces healthy habits.
Combatting SAD may also require the support of a therapist, please reach out for more information at transculturalclinicalservices.com.
