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Although spending too much time on social media can be potentially harmful for your mental health and the way you see yourself, you might be surprised to learn that fashion and makeup can actually help your mental health. Studies show that the link between the brain and your personal style has a more powerful connection than you may think.
Although May is officially Mental Health Awareness Month, paying attention to our brain health should be something you prioritise on a daily basis all year round. There have been many discussions on how one can improve their mental health over recent years and many ways in which you can positively improve your mental health. As we grow and develop through life, we face more challenges along the way. Everything from work, business, finance, bereavement, family life and health can impact the way we handle daily life. However, did you know that fashion and beauty can play a huge role in helping your mental health? What's more is that you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that choosing an outfit you love or applying your makeup might just be one of the best ways to start your day!
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While there are certainly many other factors that impact your brain's health, adopting a manageable self-care routine, such as doing your makeup each morning or choosing an outfit that makes you feel good about yourself can really set you up for the day. Neuroscience research also shows that the link between our mood, positive or negative memories and the clothes we were wearing at those times.
Neuroscience Research Showing That Fashion and Beauty Affect Our Brain and the Way We Feel
Neuroscience has increasingly explored the connection between our physical appearance, such as the clothes we wear or the makeup we apply, and how it impacts our brain and emotions. Studies have shown that when we dress in a way that aligns with our self-image or aspirational identity, it can activate certain areas of the brain associated with confidence, self-esteem, and cognitive performance.
This phenomenon, often referred to as "enclothed cognition," suggests that our clothing choices can directly influence our psychological state. For example, wearing formal attire has been linked to improved abstract thinking and decision-making abilities. Similarly, the ritual of applying makeup can serve as a form of self-affirmation, boosting our mood by triggering dopamine release, the brain's feel-good neurotransmitter. This neural response to beauty and fashion underscores the profound effect these daily practices can have on our overall mental well-being.
How What We Were Wearing or How We Looked During Significant Life Events Impacts Our Minds
The way we look during significant moments in our lives can leave a lasting impression on our psyche, either reinforcing positive memories or intensifying negative ones. For instance, if you were dressed in an outfit that made you feel confident and attractive during a job interview or a first date, your brain might associate that outfit with the success or joy of the occasion.
On the other hand, if you experienced a negative event, such as receiving bad news or going through a difficult breakup while wearing certain clothes or makeup, those items can become subconsciously linked to the unpleasant memory. This psychological association can influence our future fashion and beauty choices, either encouraging us to wear things that bring back positive emotions or causing us to avoid certain styles or looks that remind us of past disappointments. Understanding these connections allows us to use fashion and beauty more intentionally to create positive mental associations.
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Why Fashion and Beauty Can Be Beneficial for Mental Health and Positive Visualization
Fashion and beauty practices can serve as powerful tools for mental health by fostering self-expression, enhancing self-confidence, and promoting positive visualization. When we dress in a way that reflects our goals or how we wish to see ourselves, it can reinforce those aspirations mentally, helping us visualize and move towards our desired outcomes. For example, dressing in a professional and polished manner when working from home can signal to your brain that you are in a productive mode, leading to increased focus and motivation.
Makeup and skincare rituals can also serve as a form of self-care, providing a sense of routine and control, which is crucial for managing stress and anxiety. Additionally, looking good on the outside can lead to feeling good on the inside, creating a positive feedback loop where our appearance boosts our mood, which in turn improves how we interact with the world. This connection between physical appearance and mental state highlights how beauty and fashion can be leveraged not just for external presentation, but as integral parts of a holistic approach to well-being and personal growth.
Here are some other ways in which fashion and beauty can positively impact your mental health.
Creativity
One of the best ways you can stimulate your mind is to be creative. When you are looking for new ways to express yourself, your brain is working hard for ideas and for other creative ways to express yourself. You can be creative with fashion. From mixing up outfits to finding the best way to look great on a budget, it does get the creative juices flowing and allows you to improve yourself mentally quite a bit. Try it out and see if it works for your creative juices.
It’s Relaxing and Distracting
Being fashionable can be a bit like a meditative ritual. Applying makeup can feel oddly therapeutic. Putting on a new pair of clothes can feel comfortable and put you at ease. One of the best ways you can improve your mental health is to relax yourself.
Plus, the distraction. When you are dealing with anxiety, depression, or anything else similar, a distraction can help reduce your symptoms. Being able to apply makeup is a nice little distraction that you can do, and it’s worth trying out.
You Can Socialise
Another way to improve one’s mental health is to socialise a bit. Talk to someone new or someone you’re friends with and you can improve your socialisation by quite a bit. However, it can be hard when you don’t have anything in common. That’s where makeup comes in. Makeup can be the great equaliser that allows for you to care for yourself in ways you didn’t think were possible.
By socialising through makeup and fashion, you can make some good friends and trade fashion secrets. It’s well worth trying out and being able to improve your social health. Try it today.
Fixing Up the Place is Exercise
If you’re wanting to fix up your house, it can be quite the workout. Being able to clean the house, move around furniture, and place your new decorations are just a few ways you can be able to move around. As you move around, your brain releases some feel-good chemicals that make you much happier and healthier mentally. If you try moving around stuff, you will see exactly what we are talking about.
Seek Help!
If you put on makeup, it’s still not going to cure your depression, anxiety, or your mental health problems. You may need to seek professional help in addition. Talking to a therapist is one way you can take care and be able to manage your mental health.
Seeking help is something everyone should do, but many people feel like they don’t have the time to do so. However, thanks to online counselling, it is much easier than ever to get the help you need. Talk to a therapist or a counsellor about all your problems. Chances are, you can improve yourself quite a bit and be able to put on even more makeup. You only have one brain, so take care of it.