We all know the importance of looking after our mental health. After all, regardless of how great your life is and what else is going on around you, without a good mental state you simply wont feel present enough to enjoy it. There are so many ways that we can (and should) look after our mental health, from getting enough sleep to maintaining hobbies, spending time with friends and even eating well. But one very powerful form of self care that can make you look better on the outside and therefore feel great on the inside is fashion and grooming. It’s not about vanity or arrogance, it’s about showing yourself that you are deserving of time and effort being spent on yourself. When you look good your confidence soars, you feel ready to take on the world and new opportunities. Of course, it’s not a simple fix for complex mental health issues (and if you’re struggling, definitely seek medical help from your doctor). But it’s certainly a simple yet proactive thing you can do each day, which in combination with other factors can give your mental health a real boost. Read on to find out more.
Fashion as a Confidence Booster
We all know that feeling when we put on an outfit that just clicks. Suddenly, you feel like you could take on anything that comes your way. Well, gentlemen, that’s the magic of fashion. When you dress in a way that reflects your personality and makes you feel good, your confidence soars to new heights. Whether you prefer a dapper suit or a casual streetwear look, finding your own signature style really is the key to feeling comfortable in your own skin. Experimenting with different fashion trends is an adventure that can lead you to discover hidden aspects of your personality too, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. If you find clothes shopping in person daunting, try an online order and buy things that maybe you wouldnt normally go for. Try out some different looks in the comfort of your own home then simply send back anything that doesnt quite work. It’s not just about following trends or wearing expensive brands; it’s about finding garments that make you feel like the best version of yourself. Add accessories too- sunglasses, scarves, hats, jewellery and more can all add to an outfit, bring it all together and help you to reflect your personality within your style.
Grooming for Self-Care:
Taking care of your appearance isn’t just about impressing others; it’s about showing yourself some well-deserved love since a well groomed appearance has a huge impact on your mental health. Experiment with your facial hair, do you prefer a clean shaved appearance, a full beard or something in between? Consider what your time limitations are and what suits your overall look. From there, you can invest in some good grooming tools to make things a smooth and enjoyable process rather than it feeling like a chore. Whether it’s a razor subscription so you always have sharp razors for a cut throat shave, or perhaps beard trimmers and oils if you like to keep it longer. You could visit the barbers and have them maintain your facial hair each time you go for a haircut too if you want a professional job, otherwise look at Youtube videos if you’re considering trying something new. Jobs like nose and ear hair trimming, eyebrow trimming and body hair trimming are all things you could consider too. Skincare is something that everyone should do, it doesnt have to be complicated. A moisturiser and a lip balm can keep your skin supple and feeling comfortable and takes thirty seconds to apply after a shower. A relaxing grooming routine can be a meditative experience, allowing you to focus on yourself and recharge your mental batteries. Embracing these self-care moments can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
The Mind-Body Connection:
Theres a deeper connection between fashion, grooming, and mental health. You see, looking good isn’t just about the external image, it’s about aligning your mind and body. When you take care of your appearance it sends a powerful message to your brain that you value yourself. This simple act of self-care can improve your mood, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being, make an occasion of it if you have the time or inclination. One day a week have a long shower and then do all of your grooming jobs so you feel fresh for the week ahead. When it comes to clothing, when you dress in a way that makes you feel confident, you radiate positivity and attract positive energy from those around you. It’s like a ripple effect, where your boosted self-assurance creates a positive environment that benefits both you and the people you interact with. Fashion and grooming can also act as forms of self-expression too, where you can showcase your personality, interests, and creativity to the world. This means that clothes you choose, the accessories you wear, and even the hairstyles you go for can all be powerful statements that reflect who you are as an individual. This self-expression not only boosts your confidence but also helps to secure that sense of authenticity and personal empowerment that you feel when you leave the house looking good.
Mental health conditions can be really serious, in some cases medication, therapy or even inpatient depression treatment may be needed. But for many people, aiming to keep their mental health in check by doing positive things can be a good way to prevent or manage existing mild mental health problems so it’s something well worth doing.
What kinds of things do you do for yourself to keep your mental health in check?
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more menswear inspiration.
(Some of these links may contain affiliate links, so that means if you click and buy something, I get a cut. It helps keep the site going! Full Disclosure)