This year at NC State, I chose to take a social dance class as one of my GEP requirements for physical education. I’m here to tell you how this decision positively impacted my emotional and physical well being in college.

As the semester started out and I was introduced to the class, being made aware that I would be dancing about 2 inches apart from total strangers, fully trusting them to lead me where I’m supposed to go, I was a little concerned. Not being a huge fan of intimacy to being with, let alone with strangers, I assumed I would dread this class every Tuesday and Thursday.

Being stressed with taking too many credits, working a job that requires my attention 24/7, participating in several clubs, and trying to keep a social life as well as making time to see my family every so often, I really just wanted to sleep. But that first day in class, as we all danced terribly and laughed about it together, I realized I just needed some relief. I needed time to breathe and laugh and appreciate what was around me.

To set up the scene for you, a group of about 30 strangers were partnered up and told to get into closed position and do the “cha cha.” I’m sorry what? You expect me to touch this guy? Not only touch but basically hold? Dance with him and look at him the entire time? Okay, I know this may be a little dramatic but LOOK I’m awkward, okay? Anyway, the music started playing and everyone started dancing and slowly, something began to change in the room. Maybe I was the only one that noticed it, and maybe it’s all in my head, but even so, about a minute into the first song the mood changed. The strangers around me were no longer awkwardly shifting about and darting their eyes everywhere, but into their partner's eyes. Couples started giggling, shoulders became less tense, and smiles began to form on everyone face. It was like the whole room relaxed. I immediately loved it. Every step I messed up, I had my partner to laugh with. Every awkward moment, I could share with another. Every look around the room lightened my mood as everyone danced and made slight fools of themselves. It was adorable and relieving and unbelievable everything I needed.

Okay Danielle, so where are you going with all of this? Basically, I just want to tell you to dance. I could sit here and tell you all the scientific facts behind why dancing is good for your mood and health, but I’m not going to. Just dance. Dance alone in your room, grab some friends and head to the club, get your boyfriend, get your girlfriend and just dance. Don’t let it be awkward and don’t feel like you're being judged, actually dance like nobody's watching and loosen up. As a college student I understand the insanity that is our lives. We need a reliever. We need something to let our brains shut off and we need something to improve our constantly stressed moods.

So my suggestion to you is to dance. If dancing isn’t working, find something that doesn’t revolve around exams and textbooks and late night coffee runs that just makes you relax. Sing, dance, write, read, run, walk, breathe. Just breathe and don’t allow stress to consume you. Step out of your mind for a brief period in time and simply appreciate the moment. It really has brightened every single one of my days and I hope you can find something that does the same for you.