This is how the way you dress affects your mood

“Taking care of ourselves can give us positive thoughts about ourselves and our self-esteem,” explains the clinical psychologist. Laura FosterWhich indicates that “in the field of behavior, if you devote time to it It will be easier for me to get out and feel comfortable and even socialize more.“.

Why include manifestation in your self-care routine?

This generates a cycle of positive emotions and sensations that can shift moods downward, which is why psychologists also recommend taking care of your physical appearance from an aesthetic point of view within your self-care routine.

“We do not feel the same way when we quickly get dressed to go to work as when we do it, for example, on the weekend and we can spend more time on this matter. In this case, Maybe we could shower quietly, apply cream, and choose the clothes we will wear more carefully.Apply makeup in a special way or with more care…” Foster explains.

All of these gestures transmit information to the brain with the message of investing time in oneself, which provides positive feelings and increases self-esteem.

How we look and feel

The psychologist says the same way Luis Miguel Realwhich highlights that the way we dress, make up, and style our hair is a tool that conveys a message that “makes us look a certain way, makes us feel more or less attractive, That we think more or less positively about ourselves “And also that they view us in a way that aligns with a certain group or makes us look like someone they admire.”

Moreover, devoting attention to the personal aspect can shift the focus of attention “when we are frustrated or stuck in a particular context; Making small changes can make us see ourselves in a different way This expert says that our mood fluctuates in a positive way.

-Greater neglect in cases of depression or sadness

on the contrary, Wearing a sloppy appearance can generate negative feelings and effects In self-perception. Psychologist Laura Foster says: “For example, in consultation we see this in people who suffer from depression. Their mood leads them to neglect their personal hygiene, and this in turn leads to a deterioration in their mood, which turns into a vicious circle.” .

Our experience during the COVID-19 quarantine was an example of this type of situation. “Since we couldn’t go out normally, we spent many hours of the day in our pajamas. Or with lounge clothes. Of course we were dressed less elegantly and wore practically no makeup. This, extended over time, can cause an individual’s self-image to be negatively distorted, Foster says.

Rial speaks in the same vein, highlighting that “when we feel sad, we usually don’t wear much clothing; in those moments, when we see ourselves reflected, we see a neglected person, which can make our mood worse.”

Don’t focus everything on the outside

However, Real also warns against this The importance of not expecting that influencing our outward appearance is a panacea That would change our mood. “Devoting a lot of time to taking care of your appearance or spending large amounts of money on clothes will not solve the underlying problems that may at any moment influence a moment of sadness or depression.”

This expert thus highlights the undesirable effects of “purchases”. The usual escape route to escape From stress “It can be a lot of fun one afternoon but a disaster if it becomes a routine.”

In the face of this, he recommends thinking about:

• Difference in habits.
  
• Introducing or promoting practices such as physical exercise.
  
• Pay enough attention to comfort.
  
• Avoid constantly returning to negative thoughts.

Experts conclude that taking care of ourselves reflects our mood and either enhances or reduces it. Therefore, it is important that we include it in our self-care Let us reserve a specific time for it, but without expecting it to turn into a magic wand If there are other underlying problems.