When Fight-or-Flight Feels Good

Groundbreaking new research finds that dance uniquely activates both “fight-or-flight” AND “rest-and-digest” responses, creating a surprisingly powerful equilibrium.

Isn’t “fight-or-flight” something to be avoided? We often think of the "fight-or-flight" response as a sign of stress or danger. But dance harnesses this instinctive reaction positively, blending it with the "rest-and-digest" state to create a unique and powerful balance within the nervous system.

🔬 The Science of Dance: Nervous System Magic

Dancers Experience a Unique Physiological State

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that during peak performance or "flow state," dancers simultaneously activated both their sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous systems.

This completely contradicts the traditional view that these systems function in opposition. Instead, dance appears to harmonize these two systems, allowing for intense focus and movement while maintaining calm and control.

This mind-blowing flow state allows dancers to experience heightened focus, creativity, and emotion while maintaining physiological regulation.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) & Stress Adaptability

Another key finding? Dancers in flow state exhibited higher Heart Rate Variability (HRV).

HRV measures how well the autonomic nervous system balances stress and relaxation. A higher HRV is linked to:
✔️ Greater adaptability to stress
✔️ Improved emotional regulation
✔️ Better overall mental and physical resilience

This means that during peak performance, dancers are in a state of physiological equilibrium—they can handle the stress of the performance while still staying calm and emotionally connected, returning to this state of oppositional balance.

Just like muscle memory, we can think of our nervous system as a muscle that needs to be strengthened and toned to handle better the ups and downs that life throws at us. Dance conditions our nervous system. AKA, dancing doesn’t just feel good—it actually trains our nervous system to handle stress better over time. 💪🏻

The best part? Everyone can benefit from this science. Whether you're a professional dancer or someone looking to improve your well-being, engaging in rhythmic movement can help regulate your autonomic nervous system and boost your HRV.

🎶 From Research to Rhythm

This new science shows that dance harmonizes fight-or-flight with rest-and-digest, creating flow. Music can guide us there, too. This playlist is designed with three tempos to match your energy and help you get in tune with how you’re feeling that day:

⚡️ High Energy (120–160 BPM) – Track 1
🎯 Focus & Flow (80–120 BPM) – Track 12
🍃 Relax & Recover (60–80 BPM) – Track 22

🎧 Click here to listen to the playlist!

Don't forget to also follow along on Instagram and TikTok.

Next week, discover how this research connects to real-world applications like trauma recovery, chronic illness, and peak performance training.

Until then, ask yourself: How is my body asking me to move today?

Me perfectly balancing my stress response and creating a state of nervous system bliss: