Don’t stop playing that music - DANCE THERAPY ✨ Happy Sunday, everyone! 🌿 I was introduced to my spirit dancer @emma.the.alchemist over the pandemic (the beauty of IG community🙏) and I interviewed her for @marieclaireuk to understand the connection between mental and physical health and how we can actually dance our way to a happy life. I always stop to have a dance on my morning runs - it makes me feel SO GOOD - it transforms my mood. 🌿 Emma has a class called Movement is Medicine that combines the science of somatic therapy with the ancient teachings of ecstatic dance. Here are a few key tips from the feature - link in bio. IT’S NOT HOW YOU LOOK: If you can move, you can dance. You don’t need coordination like TikTok routines. This is permission to move in a non-judgemental space. STAY OUT OF YOUR HEAD: Keep eyes closed, come back into your body and move in a state of flow. POWER TO THE PEOPLE: You have a choice in everything you do. There is no right or wrong way to move. FIND YOUR RELEASE: Ecstatic dance is listening to music, going into a rhythm and then somatic release. FEEL YOUR EMOTIONS: It might be an anxious feeling in your chest - once you are aware of it you can let that go. Our emotions are our energy and our energy is waiting to be moved. Release your tears, laugh, feel aroused. This is all normal. DESTRESS: Regulate the nervous system - bring down cortisol and adrenaline and release the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin. DITCH THE GYM MEMBERSHIP: This is a low intensity exercise like walking. If you are stressed, high intensity like a spin class will be activating and put you into a high alert state. EASE JOINT AND MUSCLE PAIN: When we are stuck in stress responses our body - particularly hip and groin areas can become locked and tight. Use freeform dance to stretch. GO TEETOTAL: “I went out a million times and just drank water - so am completely aware and sober. I feel more confident in self love and my body and that confidence radiates.” Here, here! 🌿 I don't think we need more reasons to turn up our favourite tunes and move our bodies! Have a wonderful Sunday 💛 #movementismedicine #emmamarshall #dancetherapy #liseoflife