Remember that scene from “Love Actually”? Hugh Grant, in his crisp shirt and trousers, moving through his office with a kind of gleeful abandon to “Jump” by The Pointer Sisters. He’s not even thought about anyone watching, he’s simply lost in the music, radiating pure joy. It’s impossible not to smile watching him, and it’s the perfect inspiration for how to start your own day.
Picture yourself in your kitchen, kettle on, and instead of tapping impatiently or scrolling your phone, you start dancing. Not a careful, measured dance, but a spontaneous, slightly ridiculous shimmy that sets the tone for your day.
It might seem silly, but this kind of morning dance session is actually backed by science. Dancing engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously: sensory, motor, cognitive, emotional, creating a mental workout that’s equal parts of stimulation and joy. Studies show that moving to music enhances both cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation, meaning that those first few moments of grooving while waiting for water to boil can actually prime your brain for better focus, creativity, and resilience throughout the day.
The physical perks are just as impressive. Even a brief burst of dance elevates your heart rate, gets your blood pumping, and releases endorphins; our brain’s natural feel-good chemicals. Dopamine levels rise, stress hormones drop, and suddenly your morning feels less like a slog and more like a scene from a feel-good film. You’re not just warming up your body for the day, you’re giving your brain a little happiness boost before your first sip of coffee.
Dancing while the kettle boils also carries a psychological edge. That small act of intentional, playful movement reminds your mind that life doesn’t have to start in a rush. It’s a moment of self-directed joy, a tiny rebellion against the routine, a way to take ownership of your morning mood. Psychologists note that incorporating brief moments of play into everyday tasks enhances motivation and emotional wellbeing, even when the tasks themselves are mundane. In other words, while your tea brews, you’re practising the art of finding delight in small, ordinary moments.
So next time the kettle hums to life, channel your inner Hugh Grant. Put on a favourite tune, swing your arms, shuffle your feet, maybe even spin if your space allows. Dance like no one’s watching, because for these few minutes, the only person who matters is you. Your morning coffee will taste sweeter, your mood will lift, and you might even discover that starting the day dancing turns the ordinary into something a little extraordinary.
References
Psychology Today. The Power of Dance and Its Benefits for Mind and Body. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-of-choice/202505/the-power-of-dance-and-its-benefits-for-mind-and-body
National Geographic. How Dance Boosts Brain and Mood. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/how-dance-boosts-brain-and-mood
Photo by Laura Fuhrman
