How to Be Happy Lesson #16: Happy Feet

One of the early advocates of happiness listed on the Pursuit of Happiness website is Mencius, a Chinese philosopher who lived two hundred years after Confucius and who has been ranked second behind his predecessor on the “sage scale.” The POH authors describe Mencius as the “pioneer of Positive Psychology.” They also attribute this quote to him.

When they (the sprouts of virtue) are rejoiced in, they will grow. Once they begin growing, how can they be stopped? As they cannot be stopped, unconsciously one’s feet begin to dance and one’s hands begin to move.

Mencius believed that humans are endowed from birth with innate “sprouts” of humanity and righteousness and that cultivating those sprouts is what turns us into virtuous people, which in turn makes us feel so good that we involuntarily break into the happy dance. As I read this, I started wondering whether the opposite were true, that is, if I got up in the morning and started the day by putting on the soundtrack from Happy Feet and dancing, would that feeling flow upward, nourish my sprouts of humanity and righteousness, and make me virtuous in the “try not to be a dick” sense?

I don’t know. Dancing may not do all of that but get this: “Science confirms: Dancing makes you happy.” In this article, Psychology Spot author Jennifer Delgado tells us that “recent studies revealed that one of the keys to happiness and satisfaction is right on the dance floor.” Jennifer cites one study that “found that often those who were dancing not only reported feeling happier, but also more satisfied with their lives, especially in relationships, health, and the goals achieved over the years.” She also notes that even just moving to a rhythmic beat improves our mood and that dancing can promote “fewer negative thoughts, better concentration and a greater sense of peace and tranquility.” In addition, it can help relieve anxiety, depression, and stress.

So, what’s not to like about dancing? But how does it work its magic upon us? One, the miracle of chemistry. More specifically,

When we dance our brain releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that create a feeling of comfort, relaxation, fun and power. Music and dance do not only activate the sensory and motor circuits of our brain, but also the pleasure centers.

Two, dancing is a social activity that gets us out and about and engaging with others in a way that has a positive effect on our mental health.

Three, when we move to the beat “our muscles relax to the music.” This releases tension from even the deepest parts of our musculature.

So, lesson #16 in how to be happy seems obvious; put on your dancing shoes. Added happiness points if said footwear is wacky in and of itself, say, slippers of the heated narwhal, yeti, or Freudian variety.

[Published originally on RatBlurt™, March 27, 2019.]