Exercise is a good way to reduce life’s stresses. It prods the body to produce oxytocin and endorphins, which help regulate mood, emotions and boost social bonding.

Many of us, however, wouldn’t be too keen on squat-thrusting our way to an anxiety-free day.

A recent study offers hope to the exercise averse, pointing to an activity that might not seem like exercise at all — dancing.

As anyone who has ever waltzed the night away can affirm, dancing gets the heart pumping and tests the legs, arms and many of the muscles in-between.

A group of international scientists took the first in-depth look at dancing’s ability to reduce stress. They found that it is extremely effective, to the point that some call it a “stress vaccine.”

Chronic stress has been linked to physical ills. When the troubles in our lives overwhelm, it can contribute to heart disease, obesity, diabetes and depression.

What makes dancing so effective as a stress reliever?

Dance combines several elements that contribute to good mental health. For one, you might have heard that music has charms to soothe a savage beast. Evidence suggests that simply listening to music and its rhythms without moving a muscle relieves anxiety. Music triggers the production of feel-good chemicals.

It helps reduce cortisol, also known as the stress hormone.

The social side of dancing is advantageous. Being with a partner as you glide around the dance floor, or dancing with friends, contributes to a feeling of well-being.

Touch, like linking hands with a partner, also releases chemicals in the brain that modulate stress.

Any exercise benefits the body and the mind. But for a little extra juice, boogie down.