Dressing How You Want To Feel

     If your daily uniform is sweats, t-shirts, ponytails and no make up. Then I'm here to help. Being a person who has a chronic illness I know very well what it's like to wear that uniform every day. There was a time when I dressed like I felt, sick.  Like I'd given up, because honestly at that time I had. My daily wardrobe was one of resignation. I had every right to dress that way because I had a lot going on in my life. There maybe many of you who have a lot going on in your life right now. I want you to know that I understand. You may be a mom of toddlers and getting dressed is next to impossible most of the time. You may be way too tired from kids pulling on you all day to even try or even think about your wardrobe. You might just be a busy mom who takes care of her family and has no time to consider such things. But I'm here to tell you the importance of dressing how you want to feel versus how you feel.

There have been preliminary findings from a study published on the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology website. Proving that the way you dress affects your performance. A phenomenon called enclothed cognition happens when you wear clothing that you associate with intelligence and confidence. You become more likely to take on those attributes when you wear the garment.  When you pay particular attention to your appearance it uplifts your mood as well, it gives you confidence. Remember, dress how you want to feel, not how you feel. Now, I know there will be days when we will dress how we feel and that's OK, but don't make it an every day pattern in your life.

What image are we putting out for others to see. Whether we would like to admit it or not, first impressions make a huge impact. You may be the most organized sweet loving wonderful person in the world, but only those that know you will be able to see that part of you. The others that we meet in passing or don't get a chance to talk to don't know that. They will probably base their perception of you by what they see. So what is the image that you WANT to give? Think about that. Is it one of the strong put together empowered woman or of a tired, worn-out, I give up kind of women? I have to say I've seen many fall into the second of these categories. They may be going through a rough time in their life. Or just busy and never thought twice about what they put on that day, but that's OK, we all have days like that.  But it's when it becomes your daily uniform, what you are known for, that's when it's a problem. Unfortunately, most people will not be able to see your sparkling personality behind the drab clothing.

So if your in a rut, try putting more effort into your appearance. Do it for a week and you'll be floored by the response you'll get. 

Love,
Chrissy