1. You stop worrying about what people think.

Because yeah, they probably ARE watching, but who cares? Someone is playing Beyoncé over loudspeakers in the grocery store and you’re expected NOT to break it down in the frozen food aisle? Mmmm, I don’t think so. This seemingly small, stupid action can serve as a learning tool — how to stop worrying strangers are judging you. Let ’em.

2. Life is too short to not have a good time.

We hear it over and over again, but the truth is, life is very short and very unpredictable. If the jitter bug starts biting, let it happen. Do you really want to be on your death bed regretting all the times you could have let loose?

3. Dancing is a great form of exercise.

And in the iconic words of Elle Woods, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.” Save a life. Bust a move.

4. It might help with your depression.

Hold up — I don’t think dancing can CURE clinical depression. Well-meaning people who suffer from situational depression (or just being sad) sometimes claim dancing or breathing or just thinking positively can eradicate depression. No, um, no. But let’s not get into that. Can incorporating dancing help lift spirits? Absolutely. So while it isn’t going to fix everything, it might help a little.

5. You get to express yourself in an unconventional way.

Dancing, even if it’s just in your bedroom, is a creative way to communicate something. You get to emote with just your movements, with your body language. It’s sort of like style — you are choosing to express something to the world. When you dance like it’s just you and nobody else, you might be surprised at what happens. You might be surprised at what your body tells you.