The Power of Joy: A Lesson from the Dance Floor

As a health coach, I’m deeply aware of how interconnected our physical, mental, and emotional health is. But even with all my knowledge, life has a way of sneaking in beautiful reminders—like the one I had recently at an end-of-year Christmas function.

Picture this: a night filled with music, laughter, and dancing. I danced the night away (zero alcohol required) and felt an incredible surge of happiness. It had been years since I let myself truly dance like that. For context, I used to love salsa dancing—it was my thing. But when I was diagnosed with ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), I stopped.

If you’ve experienced ME/CFS or something similar, you’ll know how debilitating it can be. It trains you to fear overdoing it because a single moment of pushing too hard can lead to an energy crash that leaves you wiped out for days. So, I adopted an “all-or-nothing” mindset: if I couldn’t dance for hours like I used to, I wouldn’t dance at all.

But that night reminded me of the joy I’ve been missing. And here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I don’t need a crowded dance floor and hours of salsa to experience the sheer delight of movement. A three-minute dance in my kitchen to a killer song can be just as powerful, a quick boost of endorphins and joy that feeds my soul.

This experience reaffirmed something I share with my clients all the time: health is multidimensional. It’s not just about eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Joy, relationships, meaningful work, and even small things like home cooking all play a role in how vibrant and healthy we feel.

So, here’s my challenge to you—where can you add a sprinkle of joy to your life today? Maybe it’s turning on your favourite song and dancing like no one’s watching (because, let’s be honest, they probably aren’t!). Or reconnecting with a hobby that made you feel alive.

Health isn’t just about the big things; it’s about all the little things that make life worth living. And sometimes, those three minutes of dancing in your kitchen can be just as transformative as an hour at the gym.

Let’s not forget to prioritise joy—it’s not a luxury; it’s essential. So, what’s your next dance floor? The kitchen? The lounge? I say, wherever you are, let the music play.