A global company recently asked me to do a workshop presentation on the connections between your wardrobe to your mental health.  The more I thought about it and went through all the information I have researched over the years I realized there are quite a few negative and positive connections. You can choose to start off your day sad and frustrated or happy and excited. You get to choose.

Here are a couple of examples of how your wardrobe and mental health are connected. The first example of your wardrobe and mental health connections are if you start off your day feeling frustrated, harried, and/or feel as though you are always “behind the eight ball.” When you don’t have the right clothes in your closet and it’s a big struggle to get dressed every day, it can have a huge negative affect on your overall mood and mental health. If you repeatedly feel frustrated and are at a loss about what to wear it can put an added strain on your mental health. One easy way to alleviate stress and save time while getting dressed is to spend fifteen minutes one day a week, any day, and plan out what you’re going to wear for the week. When you spend a few minutes planning it can give you a much needed mental health boost. Check out my blog about saving time for more ideas around saving time and planning out your outfits.

Another connection between your wardrobe and your mental health is if you are struggling to let go of pieces that don’t fit. You may even be keeping items as “motivation” pieces. I know you think this might work but typically it doesn’t work and can have negative effect on your mental health. Instead of being excited to start your day you likely struggle to get dressed because nothing fits and the “motivation” pieces are potentially triggering negative self talk. When you hold onto pieces that are not currently working for you it can do a number on your mental health and take you down a rabbit hole of negativity. The same can be said if you’re waiting until you lose “x” pounds and/or are waiting until you are a size “y.” This emphasizes that you will be worth more in the future when you’re smaller or weight less. You are worth it now.

There are also a number of positive connections between your wardrobe and mental health. Research has shown that you’re more likely to have a greater attention span as well as experience greater productivity and/or sales when you get up and get dressed in clothes that feel professional to you. When you “dress for your day” you’re more likely to experience more confidence which in turn leads to achieving your goals, having a better self image, taking more risks and having greater success overall.

In fact, after working with clients over the years, I repeatedly hear how much better they feel after working together. Their overall mental health improved when they invested in themselves, let go of what was not working for them, took time to put together and wear outfits they felt confident in.

If you’re struggling with your mental health be sure and reach out to a professional and if you would like to know more about the connection between your wardrobe and the mental health connection feel free to reach out. I would love to help you choose to start your day happy and excited.