There have been various studies about what is needed for a baby to not only survive, but thrive. Interestingly enough, the biggest thing was human touch. Not just touch, but being held. In order for a child to thrive, it needed to be held at least 8 times a day.
The studies then went to focus on how that could be true for adults. It predominantly focused on hugging. It came up with similar results, adults functioned better through their day, and were healthier if hugged at least 8-12 times a day.
Keeping all of that in mind, think about your own day. How many times do you have the opportunity to hug someone? For many of us, human connection is what is lacking. Whether it be due to living alone, working from home, working in front of a computer, or just a lack of social exuberance. If we cannot find in our own day a way to be hugged at least 8 times, then what could we possible do?
The answer to that might not be easy, or staring you in the face. As a professional that spends most of her day holding people, and enjoying human contact, I can tell you honestly that taking dance lessons is a great way to gain those 8 “hugs”.
- For those that are not comfortable being hugged by many people, dance is a wonderful and safe outlet that allows you to be held in a non-threatening way.
- For those of you that live alone, or work from home, dance is a wonderful outlet that allows for social engagement on your own terms.
- For those of you that have forgotten just how much social connection you have lost in life, go dancing!
In one night of dancing, you could be held by a whopping 8-50 different people. That definitely will fulfill the quota for staying healthy.
Human connection is an art that is being lost in this day and age of technology. Dancing is timeless, and preserves the beauty, safety, and healthfulness of human connection!
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