Dec
We are by now all familiar with the symptoms of COVID-19, and the precautions we need to take in order to keep ourselves as safe as possible. However, despite precautions, many of us have been ill or may still become infected with this virus.
Its also apparent that a subset of people who have “recovered” from COVID-19 will go on to experience symptoms that linger well beyond testing negative for the virus. These individuals are sometimes referred to as “COVID long-haulers,” and experts are searching for answers about this condition that’s now being termed post-COVID syndrome.
Jul
Relationships are far from perfect. Each person brings their own ideas, values, opinions and personal history into a relationship, and they don’t always match their partner’s.
Those differences don’t necessarily mean a relationship is bound for conflict. On the contrary, differences can provide an opportunity to understand, respect and tolerate opposing views, values and cultures.
They help one learn better ways of communicating so that the relationship is able to evolve.
Jun
Humans are biologically designed to use all five senses in interactions with the world, creating memories which instil social learning and enforce a sense of belonging.
Dance classes create a context in which all senses are at play, creating positive neurochemical responses in the brain. This results in increased well-being and reduced stress, as well as better health choices and more meaningful relationships.
In this way, we believe the physical disconnect that is part of social distancing and quarantine has likely affected ballroom dancers even more profoundly than non dancers. This may have resulted in withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, restless sleeping patterns or agitation, which are normal psychological responses to an abnormal situation. After all, the usual dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin fix (social bonding and feel good hormones) from partnered dance practice is missing. Familiar emotional issues may also be emerging, so this is a valuable time to do some personal housekeeping. Perhaps the dance floor is the only space when you feel truly connected to another, or your dance persona has become your entire identity, and it’s difficult to know who you are without dancing being center of your life.