Simple Self-Care Through What We Wear

Photo by Sarah Dorweiler on Unsplash

DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical or mental health professional. Everything I share is information gained through personal experience, professional help, and outside resources. It is your own personal responsibility to seek professional help and advice before implementing any life-altering practices. Everyone's mental health journey looks different. My story is just one of millions. If you are feeling lost, scared, alone, concerned, or just not right, I encourage you to connect with a mental health professional. Don't wait until it becomes a crisis.

“Clothes make the [person]…” - Mark Twain (and William Shakespeare). But do they?

In today’s all-too-common work from home society, many of us have fallen into the “throw on whatever is still clean” mentality.

My usual WFH uniform is what you’d stereotypically expect. For instance, today, I’ve got on my husband’s old dryer-shrunk Tow Mater lounge pants (that fit with MC Hammer vibes), a local physical therapy-branded v-neck, and a hooded zip-up I don’t like wearing outside the house. Putting on jewelry isn’t even a consideration, and I don’t do my hair more than reshaping the curls to avoid looking like Simba (which I was called more than once at childhood sleepovers. #frizz).

Some days, when my illness or previous day’s events make being upright and out of bed a victory of its own, I just throw on my robe and hope no one comes to my door unannounced.

But on mornings I have to put on “real clothes” - as in jeans, a nice shirt, and actually do my hair - for one reason or another, I noticeably, and understandably, feel better about my day. I feel more alert; more ready for what may come; more put together. I don’t feel the subconscious weight of being “trapped” in my house so no one sees me. I’m more confident when I look in the mirror.

DOES WHAT We WEAR ACTUALLY MATTER?

When I worked in an office full time, the clothes I wore could make me feel confident, capable, and like I had my sh!t together. Some days I felt extra fashionable when someone would compliment my attire or when I’d catch myself smiling as I took an extra moment in the mirror.

So yes, I can see how clothes might “make a person,” but there’s no doubt they have an impact on our mental wellness. They can improve or worsen our self-view, our perspective, and set the intention to our day.

And when something impacts our mental wellness, we should be taking the opportunity to approach it from a new angle. In other words: the clothing we choose to wear can be an act of self-care.

Self-Care Through What You Wear

Here’s five ways you can practice simple self-care through what we put on our bodies:

#1. Get out of the PJs

This seems like not really that big of a deal, but switching from pajamas to day clothes of any kind - even “comfy” clothes - can trigger a natural rhythm and routine instilled in us since childhood. Getting dressed in the morning subconsciously signals the start of a new day, ending the period of sleep.

#2. Remember your favorites

We all have those articles of clothing that make us feel awesome. They’re our favorite color. They fit perfectly. We feel like we can conquer the world in them. They’re so effin’ soft. We would be so upset if something happened to them. Why not make a point to wear them more often if they bring such joy?

#3. Don’t wait for special occasions

We all have it - that piece in the closet or jewelry box that we save for “special occasions.” In this life, we have no guarantee we will have another special occasion or attend a grand event before our time ends. Don’t be afraid to label any given day as “special,” and mark the occasion.

Want to wear a ball gown and tiara to the store? Go for it. Spend an hour getting ready - full hair, makeup, and jewelry - and own that look as you push the cart in front of you. You’ll feel amazing, and I’m sure it will bring a smile to someone else’s face too.

Last September, a friend and I did just that. We decided to dress straight out of the 1950s for a random Sunday afternoon visit to a local art museum. It brought me so much joy, and finally owning a dress styled from that era fulfilled a lifelong dream.

#4. Dress for you

I have often caught myself picking out my clothes based on what I perceive it will make others think of me. Why? Why would I dress for other people? Why do I not only expect judgement from others based on what I wear, but also take steps prepare for it? The question is would we dress differently if we considered only what we think of ourselves?

#5. Stay in the PJs

I know: this is the exact opposite of what I said in #1. But if you are on the go almost everyday, staying in your pajamas on a day off may be exactly what you need. Just like getting into pajamas signals a time for sleep, staying in them may encourage you to slow down, accepting rest and renewal.

MUNDANE ACTIONS INTO ACTS OF SELF-CARE

Every mundane action holds the opportunity for intentional self-care. Like with getting dressed in the morning, being mindful and intentional about any given task or action can transform it into a beneficial self-love practice for our mind, body, and soul.

Looking for more ways to practice self-care without overwhelm? Discover your unique, simple self-care toolkit with "One Small Thing: Thirty Days,” available for pre-sale February 21st.

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