Fashion and self-care: How to fashionably take care of your mental well-being.
fashion is very important. it is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well.
HI! Finally found the courage and the effort to continue this blog. You must be thinking I’m such a joke. truth is I certainly am. My intention to have this blog is purely fashion motivated, for me to be able to express how I perceive fashion from my point of view. It's 3.30 am, and a girl is insomniac. so I don’t mind using this as a safe space.
How is everything from where you sit? I am not going to lie, adulthood has been quite the roller coaster and I know I speak for every teenage girl in their 20s whom life has been so mean and unfair to. Economic breakdown, recessions, and inflations seem to be the world’s new order. To add on the post-COVID adjustments, food insecurity, and the challenges due to climate change, everyone is probably going insane.
This is the time to take your mental health seriously and check in with family, friends, or your closest circle to get the right support system. In our fast-paced and demanding world, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day chaos and forget to prioritize our mental well-being. taking regular check-ins allows us to assess our emotions, thoughts, and overall well-being. Fashion is often seen as a means of self-expression and creativity, but its influence extends beyond aesthetics. Recently fashion has been geared towards supporting mental health awareness, highlighting the profound impact that clothing choices and personal styles can have on our well-being. The following are ways in which fashion has been incorporated into mental health practices to promote self-confidence, enhance self-care and contribute to overall well-being.
Organizing for self-care
A cluttered space is a reflection of your mind If you are like me or someone who is obsessed with organization and order, you might notice that when your space is disorganized you’re more likely to be working on low energy or feeling very overwhelmed and sometimes feeling negative about everything concerning your well being. Incorporating fashion into mental well-being can involve engaging in activities such as organizing your closets such that your space is decluttered, curating outfits of the week to ensure order and swiftness when you need to wear them, and experimenting with style, especially color coding. These can promote mindfulness and create a sense of calm. By dedicating time to personal grooming, you can prioritize your well-being and boost your self-esteem.
Fashion as a form of therapy
Fashion can be used as a therapeutic tool, either in individual or group settings. Fashion therapy combines elements of personal styles and self-expression which can involve color coding. Fashion colors as a therapy practice can include wearing colors that are known for their calming and soothing effects. Colors like blue and green have a tranquilizing impact and create a sense of harmony and relaxation, especially for people experiencing stress, anxiety, or agitation. Colors such as pink and yellow are associated with joy therefore they promote feelings of happiness and positive energy. Expression in this form can help you to explore your emotions, build confidence and overcome challenges. Engaging in activities such as creating vision boards for your fashion wear, exploring styles, or participating in fashion-focused support groups can be empowering and beneficial to mental health.
Dressing to boost mood
I am the type of person who can switch moods from 0–100 by dressing up. I could wake up with low energy; feeling overwhelmed and dressing would magically reassure me it was going to be fine. Research suggests that the clothes we wear can influence our moods and emotions. The concept of “enclothed cognition” suggests that specific garments can evoke psychological changes, such as feeling more confident or competent. Colors have the power to evoke emotions and affect mood. Wearing bright and vibrant colors can help uplift your spirits, that’s why you’re advised to wear red when in doubt. While some neutral colors can enhance mindfulness, dull colors are more likely to kill your vibe or have you in low spirits. By intentionally selecting clothing that reflects positive emotions or traits, individuals can uplift their mood and improve their overall mental state.
Dressing as a form of self-expression
Fashion allows individuals to express their unique personalities, emotions, and identities. Through clothing choices, you can assert your individuality and build self-confidence by selecting outfits that align with your values which in return helps you feel empowered and in control of your self-image. When you wear clothes that resonate with your style and preference, it can boost your esteem. The good news is that the fashion industry has notably shifted towards inclusivity and body positivity by embracing diverse body types which has promoted self-acceptance and fostered positive body image as it is one thing that can kill your self-esteem. The fact that there is something for everyone when it comes to fashion, has helped build confidence since looking good in what you wear makes you feel good overall and chances are you’ll end up having a great day. Changes as such have developed healthier relationships with our bodies and enhanced our mental wellness.
In conclusion, we are going through something in every chapter of our lives. Don’t worry about what you can’t control, check-ins are an important part of self-care. Incorporating fashion into mental health practices can be a valuable addition to traditional approaches. By recognizing the influence of clothing choices and personal style, you can harness the power of fashion to promote self-expression, boost self-esteem, and enhance overall mental well-being. Embracing the intersection of fashion and mental health allows us to explore new avenues of self-care and creative expression, ultimately leading to a more hoisting approach to mental wellness.
