SELF-CARE THROUGH ZUMBA -
Life Lessons
Last night I went to Zumba. It had been about a month since my last class, as I had been pushing through university coursework and an assessment that left me feeling burnt out upon submission last Friday.
After giving myself a day or so to recover, my intuition was telling me to sign up for a Zumba class at my local gym.
Upon arrival, the class was full. Everyone was chatting away, and the instructor welcomed me back. The room was filled with individuals from all walks of life and various fitness levels – very inclusive and welcoming for all.
As the music began to play, I could feel the vibrations pumping through my body. The very first song the instructor played – Tina Turner’s Simply the Best – instantly got me in the feel-good zone. I caught myself thinking: how many times do we really tell ourselves that we are “simply the best”? So often in life, people make negative comments, put us down, or worse, we do this to ourselves.
So today, as you read this article (or maybe later if you decide to listen to Tina Turner), I invite you to pause for a few minutes and find an inspiring song that makes you feel great about yourself. Take a moment to really listen to the words and feel the vibrations of the music. Notice how you felt before the song, and how you feel afterwards. Truth be told, I’d probably replay it a couple of times for the full effect to hit me – but I digress – back to the article.
With the music pumping in class, I could feel not only the vibration of the beat but also the energy of the room – the fun, inclusion, and camaraderie. The class felt safe, no matter your fitness level. It felt freeing and liberating just to let go, be in the moment, and allow the tension, stress, and burnout to slowly seep out of the body.
Don’t get me wrong, I could feel the tightening of muscles, and my coordination was not always the best. But the tension and my racing thoughts melted away to the rhythm and beat of the music, allowing my body to move and groove while my brain decompressed.
And that’s really the point. There are many strategies listed in my Self-Care Workbook and Card Set. Sometimes we use one strategy, other times a combination.
Four Self-Care Strategies I Practiced Through Zumba
Last night, as I danced, moved, and soaked up the energy of the Zumba class, I realised I was naturally practising four self-care strategies from my workbook and card set, without even planning to:
1. Move and shake your body (exercise)
2. Feel the vibrations (music)
3. Socialise (group class activity, communication)
4. Tune in and listen to your body (listening to my intuition to go to Zumba)
By doing so, I felt free, alive, and safe within my community. I also felt gratitude – for the class, for the instructor, for all that I currently have in my life, and for surviving everything I’ve experienced to reach a place where I can express myself freely and let life fade away for a moment in dance fitness.
If Zumba is not your thing, that is OK. I am simply sharing my story to inspire you to find an activity that makes you feel good about yourself – one that helps you sleep when stress, worry, or anxiety may be keeping you awake at night. Mostly, I hope you find something that reminds you just how wonderful you are in all your perfectly imperfect glory – because you are simply the best!
Final Note & Disclaimer:
Before you start any exercise routine, please make sure you seek medical clearance, particularly if you have a condition that may be exacerbated as a result of exercise. This post reflects my personal self-care experience with Zumba and music. It is not intended as medical, fitness, or professional advice. Participation in any physical activity is always at your own discretion and risk. Please note that the mention of Zumba, Tina Turner’s music, or any other activity in this article is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute endorsement.
Katherine Foster is the Author of “Self-Care Awareness, Action and Planning Workbook” and “Self-Care Awareness, Action and Planning Card Deck”. A highly experienced nationally registered Australian Counsellor and Career Development Specialist in private practice (Blu Ripples pronounced Blue Ripples).
Drawing on her rich blend of professional and lived with experiences, Katherine provide practical, authentic, empathetic, down to earth and meaningful insights in her publications, and videos. Currently pursuing a Master of Rehabilitation Counselling Degree with Griffith University, her publishing goals are to empower and support others through periods of stress, crisis and transition and to build a community of like minded individuals whom engage and support each other in a positive and meaningful way thereby transforming the challenges of life into a positive legacy.
