By The Hidden Connection Between Your Clothes and Your Mind
Do you ever have days you feel as if you can run the world? And on other days, you have nothing but grumpiness and total exhaustion? The first thing most of us think of is how many hours were spent sleeping or drinking caffeine. However, I’m going to let you in on a little-known secret about our clothing: it has an impact on your mood.
Take a moment to consider that nearly every moment of your life you are touching fabric with your body. Your body touches fabric in the morning when you wake up, and the last thing you touch before you go to bed. Therefore, it follows that the clothing you select can alter your mood and how you feel emotionally.
Comfort is Key to Building Confidence
We’ve all had the experience of wearing an amazing outfit that looks fabulous in pictures but ends up causing you discomfort. You may have a fancy dress made out of rough fabric or a tailored suit that makes it hard for you to move.
Getting dressed in an uncomfortable outfit will not allow you to perform to the best of your ability. You might find yourself constantly tugging at your sleeves, adjusting your tie, or wishing you could put on your favorite sweater or sweatpants, instead. The discomfort of the fabric on your skin creates such a distraction that it is impossible for you to concentrate on your work or enjoy the company of others.
On the other hand, when you wear comfortable clothing such as soft cotton or luxurious linen, you are able to completely forget about how your outfit feels. And when you stop thinking about your clothes, you have the opportunity to focus on being confident. As such, when you have the ability to be confident in your clothing, you will communicate more clearly and confidently, laugh more freely and openly, and feel like you belong in your own skin.
People Should Have the Ability to Set Their Own Expectations.
As consumers of fashion, we are bombarded daily with advertisements telling us how we should dress, how we should look, and what we should expect to pay for those clothes. Fashion is not about having the “latest” trends; it is about expressing who you are in your own clothing. Fashion is not about brand names or high-priced items; it is about feeling beautiful in your own skin.
Your Clothes Should Breathe.
Polyester and nylon are the two most common synthetic materials used for cheap clothing these days. Essentially, these synthetics are made from plastic, which means there is no circulation of air between your body and the fabric. This leads to moisture and heat retention, resulting in an uncomfortable, sweaty, sticky mess for you and stress on your mind and body.
When you feel “trapped”, it creates a reactive response in your brain that causes you to feel stressed. How can you have a positive attitude when you are encased in a plastic bag? Natural materials (cotton, silk, wool) allow for “breathability” – enable your skin to breathe, enabling you to maintain your body’s normal temperature. Consequently, when your body temperature remains within your normal range, you can maintain a positive mood.
The Luxury Factor: Confidence Boost
While you don’t have to spend a small fortune to feel good about yourself, buying “quality” over “quantity” can change your mindset on how you perceive yourself.
Touching a luxuriously soft, supple silk or cashmere garment is like an indulgence in self-care. By wearing quality fabrics, you send a message to your brain that tells it you are worthy of being pampered. This small change in your self-image can increase your level of confidence. As a result, you will stand taller, smile more, and exude confidence.
Feeling Luxurious Increases Your Confidence
It is not necessary for you to spend a small fortune, in order to feel good. However, when you choose to buy “quality” over “cheap”, it changes your thought patterns about yourself.
When you first feel a piece of natural silk or a soft cashmere sweater, it is almost as if you are indulging in yourself. When you feel luxurious, you are showing your brain that you deserve to feel good about yourself and that boosts your confidence. Your confidence is shown through your body language as you walk a little taller, smile a little more, and demonstrate more self-assuredness.
Final Thoughts: Look Good, Do Good
Fashion is not solely about impressing others; it is also about how you feel about yourself at home or work.
The next time you are preparing your outfit for a big event, rather than wearing what is most expensive, chose what feels best against your body; only then can your natural confidence shine you through and your mood stay bright throughout the day!