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Well-being has been described as the experience of pleasant feelings such as happiness and satisfaction, as well as the development of one's potential, having some control over one's life, having a sense of purpose, and having meaningful connections.
Samina Tamot 2118726

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Well-being is more than happiness and life satisfaction: a multidimensional analysis of 21 countries - Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

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Background Recent trends on measurement of well-being have elevated the scientific standards and rigor associated with approaches for national and international comparisons of well-being. One major theme in this has been the shift toward multidimensional approaches over reliance on traditional metrics such as single measures (e.g. happiness, life satisfaction) or economic proxies (e.g. GDP). Methods To produce a cohesive, multidimensional measure of well-being useful for providing meaningful insights for policy, we use data from 2006 and 2012 from the European Social Survey (ESS) to analyze well-being for 21 countries, involving approximately 40,000 individuals for each year. We refer collectively to the items used in the survey as multidimensional psychological well-being (MPWB). Results The ten dimensions assessed are used to compute a single value standardized to the population, which supports broad assessment and comparison. It also increases the possibility of exploring individual dimensions of well-being useful for targeting interventions. Insights demonstrate what may be masked when limiting to single dimensions, which can create a failure to identify levers for policy interventions. Conclusions We conclude that both the composite score and individual dimensions from this approach constitute valuable levels of analyses for exploring appropriate policies to protect and improve well-being.

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-Self-care refers to the behaviors, actions, and abilities that are utilized to take care of oneself.
-Well-being has been characterized as the experience of pleasant feelings such as happiness and satisfaction, as well
as the development of one's potential, having some control over one's life, having a sense of purpose, and having meaningful connections.
Samina Tamot 2118726

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Self-care at its most simplistic definition includes behaviors, activities, and skills used to take care of oneself. Within every individual, there are many different dimensions: physical, emotional, mental/cognitive, social and spiritual aspects, to highlight a few. Each of these dimensions within a person requires care, attention, and intentional behaviors to optimize overall health and well-being.

Well-Being is a broad definition to assess happiness, health, stability, purpose and meaning in one's life. I want you to visualize a circle. And within the circle are slices, much like a pie, and each slice represents one aspect of well-being: physical, emotional, mental/cognitive, social and spiritual well-being. And the health of each slice of the pie, influences, impacts, and contributes to overall well-being.

So, if a person is out of balance in physical health, this will take away a from a person's overall well-being. And if a person is not caring for themselves in one or two dimensions, for example, physical and emotional well-being, then the result will be a reduction in overall well-being. I know, you may be thinking, it sounds so simple and makes sense, taking care of yourself leads to well-being. But for many people, a commitment to self-care (actions/behaviors which improve well-being), is often overlooked.

The foundation of well-being starts with physical self-care. Our physical health is the foundation from which all else is built upon. How we treat and care for our body directly correlates to well-being and will impact our ability to cope with the stress and demands of everyday life. As a psychologist, when I meet with a client for the first time in the office, I ask a series of questions related to their physical health. I want to know how much sleep they get daily, do they exercise, and what are their eating habits. Physical habits and behaviors will affect how a person functions in their life.

I often have clients come into session complaining of anxiety, restlessness, and irritability. And more times than not, the client will share the following details about their physical health. For starters, they are only sleeping four hours a night, using caffeine to 'wake-up' in the morning and then again as a boost in the afternoon when energy lulls creep up. And, not surprising, there is little exercise being mostly sedentary throughout the day.

During the session, clients want to know how to address the presenting problem for which they came into my office: anxiety. My first recommendation is always going to start with improving physical well-being by increasing physical self-care. I'm going to encourage them to get more sleep, decrease caffeine intake, eat healthy and nutritious food, and start exercising to improve functioning. Of course, sometimes medication is recommended and needed. But most often, I encourage clients to start by improving physical self-care and well-being.

I often use the analogy with physical self-care: adequate sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition is similar to laying a foundation of a house. Once there is a stable foundation, the possibilities to build upon are endless.

As a psychologist, I also encourage clients to commit to emotional self-care. Our emotions or feelings, can be complex and change throughout the day. Many researchers have spent time debating and studying the impact of emotions on behaviors. Do our emotions guide our behaviors or do our behaviors guide our emotions? In other words, what comes first? There is no one easy answer, and it's an interaction of both. Our behaviors influence our feelings, and our feelings affect our behaviors. What we do know: emotions guide us and help us interact and respond to ourselves, others and our environment. When we pay attention our feelings, we can determine what we need to do to improve or manage our emotional state.

For example, in a given day, I may feel irritable and angry, because I didn't get enough sleep, my teens are giving me major attitude, and the dinner I was planning to have with my girlfriends won't happen because I just learned my husband has to work late. And I have no sitter and need to pick up my daughter from dance. Makes sense I would feel irritable and angry and probably disappointed!

But what happens if no matter what's going on, even in times of calm and harmony where everything seems to be ok, I am irritable and angry without an identifiable trigger? This would be a pattern I would need to pay attention to. Being angry or irritable every day is not healthy. Anger in and of itself is not 'bad,' rather it is the proportion, intensity, and duration of the feeling which can signal a problem. People who are emotionally healthy experience a variety of positive, neutral and negative emotions and can manage their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

The third dimension of well-being within a person mental or cognitive well-being. At the most simplistic level, mental or cognitive functioning is all about our thinking brain. This component includes the thoughts we have and include the statements we make to our self, as well as our values, morals, and principles. Our thinking brain also includes core intelligence but encompasses so much more.

A person mental/cognitive functioning includes how a person thinks about oneself, others, the world, and the future. And mental functioning also includes what we think about, the activities we engage in that foster thinking, the process of learning, our judgment, reasoning, and impulse control to name a few.

And here is the big take away between our mind (thoughts), emotions and behaviors: our thoughts impact and influence our feelings which then affects our behaviors and vice versa. All three will influence each other. Our mental, emotional and physical dimensions affect every part of our lives, within ourself, in our relationships with family, friends, co-workers and the larger world.

The fourth dimension of well-being is social support. Social relationships are critical for well-being. Social support is a term used to describe the people in your life that you count on in times of stress, celebration, and day-to-day living. A social support network can include family, spouse or partner, friends, co-workers, members of a social group, organization or congregation.

And it is important to understand with social support: it's less about the number of people in your social network and more about the quality of those relationships. If you are on social media I am sure you understand, you can have hundreds of followers and friends, which is much different than the number of people who are there for you in a crisis or stressful situation.

Not every person has the same needs regarding social support. Some people may only need one good friend and have family, while others have ten close friends. There is no judgment or comparison when it comes to social support, and the key is to knowing your needs and preferences and measuring this with your actual social support.

And finally, the fifth dimension is spiritual well-being. Spirituality is a general term referring to the non-physical part of our being. Often described as our soul or spirit, it is a part within us that makes us unique. Many people hear the word 'spirituality' and immediately think of religion. Spirituality is a broader concept. It can be defined as the connection we feel to other people, nature, all living beings and the world.

Spiritual connection includes having a sense of gratitude, compassion, empathy and happiness towards people, nature and the world. If a person is religious and participating in religious services and traditions, then spirituality can be experienced through one's connection and participation within their religion. But it's important to know, that a person can be spiritual without ever being religious.

When we see suffering whether, within our home, neighborhood or in the world, and we want to help, that is an example of the spiritual connection. Spirituality includes finding meaning in life and having a sense of purpose for our life. Spirituality can also include practicing religion. Attending religious services, engaging in religious traditions and prayer, are spiritual experiences.
Taking care of your body, matters. Taking care of your feelings, matters. Taking care of your thoughts, matters. Taking care of your relationships, matters. Taking care of your spirituality, matters. All of these dimensions within you, matter. You matter tremendously, take care of yourself.
If you would like to learn more about how to increase self-care and well-being, please visit DrClaireNicogossian.com to take a free, personalized quiz called, How is Your Well-Being and Self-Care? You will receive valuable skills and strategies on how to improve self-care and well-being in all of the discussed dimensions. Also be sure to check out the episode: How is Your Well-Being and Self-Care at In-Session with Dr. Claire available on iTunes.

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Self-Care and Well-Being: What You Need to Know Start Your Wellness Journey

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Self-care at its most simplistic definition includes behaviors, activities, and skills used to take care of oneself. Within every individual, there are many different dimensions: physical, emotional, mental/cognitive, social and spiritual aspects, to highlight a few. Each of these dimensions within a person requires care, attention, and intentional behaviors to optimize overall health and well-being.

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-Shopping restores a sense of control
-Visualization distracts us from anxiety
-Dopamine is released even before a purchase is made
-Mood enhance from online shopping
Samina Tamot 2118726

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When we say we need a little retail therapy, just about everyone can relate to the sheer joy that buying a little something for yourself brings.

But does shopping really help us feel better?

Yes, in fact it does, says clinical psychologist Scott Bea, PsyD. "Research suggests there's actually a lot of psychological and therapeutic value when you're shopping - if done in moderation, of course," he says.

"Whether you're adding items to your shopping cart online or visiting your favorite boutique for a few hours, you do get a psychological and emotional boost." he adds. "Even window shopping or online browsing can bring brain-fueled happiness. But again, you want to make sure it doesn't get out of hand."

According to Dr. Bea, there are many reasons why.

Shopping restores a sense of control

Research has shown that making shopping decisions can help reinforce a sense of personal control over our environment. It can also ease feelings of sadness.

A 2014 study from the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that retail therapy not only makes people happier immediately, but it can also fight lingering sadness.

According to the study, sadness is generally associated with a sense that situations are in control of the outcomes in our life, rather than life being in our own hands. The choices and outcomes inherent in the act of shopping can restore a feeling of personal control and autonomy. This is true for residual sadness we may be feeling as well.

Another 2014 study by University of Michigan showed that purchasing things you personally enjoy can be up to 40 times more effective at giving you a sense of control than not shopping. In this study, those who actually purchased items were also three times less sad, when compared to those who only browsed.

"The study suggests that when you're feeling as if things aren't going your way, getting exactly what you want can feel like a positive personal achievement," Dr. Bea says.

Visualization distracts us from anxiety

Shopping also stimulates the senses.

"The smell of something new, the bright lights and colorful displays combine to create an imaginative, sensory experience that can remove us from our own reality, even for a little while," Dr. Bea says. "This translates online, too - those perfectly merchandized, personally curated online products can get our imagination going as we project ourselves in satisfying environments."

"Shopping and its sensory stimulation gets us to visualize positive outcomes," Dr. Bea says. "Athletes, for example, have also found that this type of visualization can create positive anticipation and can reduce anxiety."

Dopamine is released even before a purchase is made

As Dr. Bea points out, just browsing, scrolling or window shopping (but not buying something) can positively impact your mood. It's this simple anticipation of the eventual possibility of a reward or treat that releases dopamine - the hormone neurotransmitter in your brain that makes you feel good.

Dopamine increases your desire to continue to seek out things that make you feel good (hence retail therapy being a favorite go-to!)

"Some think the dopamine is released when you actually get a reward or purchase an item, but it begins before you make a purchase as you're delighting in all the possibilities," he says. "It's about the whole journey."

Mood benefits from online shopping

Dr. Bea gives a great example of release of dopamine earlier in the shopping journey. "Ever fill up an online cart but abandon it because you already feel relatively satisfied? It's that," he says.

You don't always need to purchase something to feel delight, because you've gone through an exciting mental journey already, he adds. In that regard there's relatively low hazard. Spending less money may be even more rewarding.

Online shopping can also ignite dopamine release in another way - waiting for your package to arrive. Think about retail subscriptions where you may not know exactly what's being delivered in the box. The unpredictability increases your anticipation. And since the reward is unpredictable, you experience dopamine-fueled excitement.

The psychological perks of saving up

If you're a fan of retail therapy, there's another route to consider. It can also be psychologically therapeutic if you save up for that reward rather than buying something immediately with a credit card.

Applying the theory of anticipation, saving up for your reward gives you something to look forward to, which creates excitement and a release of dopamine over time.

When shopping becomes a problem

Of course, you want to ensure you're not taking shopping to an extreme. For some, shopping can become a problem. For many, it can become an addiction.

Shopping shifts from being therapeutic to a problematic compulsive behavior when it becomes a go-to way of dealing with anxiety, stress or loss and when it's hard to control, Dr. Bea says.

Shopping addiction goes by many other names such as oniomania, compulsive buying disorder (CBD), buying-shopping disorder (BSD) and pathological buying. It is estimated about 5% of American consumers exhibit compulsive buying behavior. Compulsive buying has significantly risen in developed economies and through the evolution of online shopping.

"Compulsive shoppers have frequent buying episodes or overpowering urges to purchase items," Dr. Bea says. "This behavior is linked to feelings of worthlessness in addition to a lack of power."

This condition has a lot in common with other impulse control disorders like sex addiction and gambling addiction, he adds. There is also similarity between compulsive shopping urges and the high that's sought after in drug or alcohol addiction. Compulsive shoppers may also experience blackout episodes similar to alcohol-related blackouts, in which the buyer does not recall making purchases.

Signs of a shopaholic

Pay attention if you feel your spending is out of control. Signs of a shopping compulsion include:

Preoccupation with and difficulty resisting buying unneeded items.

Spending a lot of time doing research on items that may or not be needed.

Financial difficulties because of uncontrolled shopping.

Problems at work, school or home because of spending that's gotten out of control.

Therapy and support groups can help if you think you may have a problem, Dr. Bea says - as well as education.

"Shopaholics will benefit most from learning what has led to their behavior," he says. "Cutting up your credit cards isn't going to do it. The focus should be on exploring the underlying causes, paired with the right kind of therapy."

The bottom line is that although behaviors that create excitement can bring us happiness, moderation is the difference between happiness and compulsiveness.

"If you're concerned about developing a compulsive shopping behavior, try to convert your goal of control to the excitement of a new, positive behavior - like working out or eating healthy," Dr. Bea suggests. "You'll be surprised at how happy you can feel working towards those positive results, too."

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Why Retail "Therapy" Makes You Feel Happier

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When we say we're going to the mall for a little retail therapy, most of us are being humorous. But does shopping really help us to feel better? In many cases yes, but know the signs of compulsion and addiction.

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- Blue:- antidepressant color
- Green:- reduce anxiety
- Red, Pink, Purple:- inspire a sense of purpose and optimism
Samina Tamot 2118726

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Impact of fashion on mental health. | Classic Polo

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Mental health is becoming an increasing issue across the world today. Especially, in this lockdown, the cases for mental health have increased a lot.

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How may clothes help you enhance your mental health?

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How may clothes help you enhance your mental health?

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There are various ways to improve and have a healthier state of mind.
-Dressing Up
-Retail therapy
-Stepping out of your comfort zone
-Building Confidence
-Color booster
Samina Tamot 2118726

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Posted by Keerthi on July 28, 2021 01:26

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How can Fashion help in Improving Mental Health?

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Mental health issues can be a downpour of emotions, resulting in a threat to one’s stability. But we need to constantly remind ourselves that there’s always sunshine after a storm. It is a sole duty as citizens to help those in need & fashion can be of tremendous help! In today’s society, mental…

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Fashion brands that are connected with self-care and well being

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Fashion brands that are connected with self-care and well being

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-Madhappy
-Shopwillys
-Peace & quiet
-Sporty & Rich
Samina Tamot 2118726

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These Fashion Brands Are Turning Self-Care Into An Aesthetic

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Meet Sporty & Rich, Wyllis, Peace & Quiet, and more.

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The Power of Clothes to Enhance Our Mood

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The Power of Clothes to Enhance Our Mood

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-We associate clothing with certain roles.
-If you look good, you feel like you can conquer the world.
-Choosing clothing can also help women deal with emotional issues.
Samina Tamot 2118726

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It's not rare for women to experience mental health issues. About one in five struggles with depression, anxiety, phobias and others. What are the reasons and how can fashion help with these conditions? Read the article.

Women and Mental Health Issues

It's not an uncommon sight on the city streets. Women who apparently don't care at all about what they are wearing. Their clothes wrinkled and badly matched, hair disheveled or not properly cut and died.

We may often be bemused by their looks, wondering how a person can be so disinterested in their own image. But we must not be too quick to judge. Because there may be much more to it.

This look may be a sign of mental health issues.

About one in five women deals with depression, anxiety and other - even suicidal attempts. What are some of the reasons? Demanding social norms, trauma, unrealistic standards set by the media and social networks, as well as sexual abuse even.

A lot of women suffer silently but when they've seemingly lost their femininity this may be a signal they can hardly bear it anymore.

And clothes may not only indicate a problem but at least partially help with it, too.

Fashion has an undeniable influence on our mental state. Garments can improve our mood, boost our confidence or help us get into character. Designers and wearers may deliberately choose cuts, colours, and patterns that enhance the mood. The industry also becomes more vocal about these types of disorders.

Let's explore this relationship further.

The Power of Clothes to Enhance Our Mood

Probably everybody is familiar with this feeling. You choose your clothes for the day and look in the mirror. If you like what you see, you feel like you can conquer the world.

Why is that?

We connect clothes to specific roles. For example, if we want to feel confident and strong, we will choose what gives us this feeling. By wearing a specific piece of garment, we "get into character", so to say. We also know what impression we will leave on others. This is another boost.

However, we must not betray our style.

If we choose clothes that are not "us", this will make us feel anxious and embarrassed. We will think about them the whole day. This will worsen our condition.

But such a change may have a positive effect, too.

We may use clothes to convince ourselves that we are something we feel are not. For example, if you are uncomfortable in your new managerial role, putting on clothes fit for a leader may get you in the mood you need to succeed.

And it's not just the result of our choices.

The process of choosing clothes can also help women with their emotional struggles. Intrusive thoughts can often be chased away by concentrating (even unconsciously) on dressing rituals. Attention is diverted from painful memories or worries to finding the perfect garments, accessories, and shoes for the coming occasion.

And that's not all there's to it.

There's a feeling that you are in control. You are making choices for yourself. This is empowering and betters mental health.

But can clothes also be designed with our well-being in mind?

Creating Clothes for Better Mental Health

Designers can definitely implement ideas of bettering mental conditions when working on their collections. This can be done by fabric and colour choices. Also fits, cuts, prints etc.

Colour is the most obvious mood enhancer.

Everybody knows that it affects mood in different ways. Yellow is optimistic and happy; it elevates our mood. Red and black give a feeling of power and control. They may also be sexy. Blue soothes and so on.

So, designers may consider these effects when creating garments.

But it's also about fit.

Soft and roomy clothes sometimes give a much needed and soothing feeling of coziness. Slim fits that sculpt the body may make a lady feel sexy and confident.

And it's not just the pieces that are seen.

Underwear that's sexy is empowering. The comfort of a quality pair of socks or bras and bikinis can evoke a sense of calmness. And this leads us to fabrics.

Natural fabrics like silk, cotton and wool give a pleasant and soothing feeling. On the other hand, synthetic fibers allow for creating intricate garments that help women stand out which is a powerful confidence boost.

Let's not forget prints, too.

Even sweatshirts or t-shirts with simple positive slogans can help create a better mood. But on a deeper level animal prints, for example, give a sense of rebelliousness and freedom. Wearing bold patterns you can own also helps self-belief.

However, is this all fashion industry can do for mental health?

The Fashion Industry and Mental Health Awareness

The fashion business becomes seriously involved in mental health awareness. It's not only through clothes designed to bring happiness or improve confidence. Conversations around these types of illnesses are more common in it now.

Supermodels talk openly about their own struggles. And they don't do it only on their own social media channels. Big brands create platforms for this to happen, as well. This is an important step for a business that projects sometimes devastatingly impossible to match glamorous lifestyle and beauty standards.

There are brands that dedicate collections to the cause, too.

Lines are created specifically to create awareness around this sensitive but sadly common topic. They include reassuring messages and supportive prints. There are even entire brands created to fight stigma and help women overcome this difficult and frightening situation.

And companies deserve praise for donating their profits to charities fighting the problem.

We, at D2Line, too have dedicated ourselves to help women return to femininity.

We do it by crafting clothes that make them feel and look good. Timeless pieces that will help them be noticed and appreciated. Confidence boosts in every situation.

But this is not all we do. We look for inspiring women to tell their stories and instill self-belief in struggling ladies. We try to raise awareness about the fact that it's okay not to feel okay. Women must not be ashamed by what's going on inside their hearts and minds. And they must not encapsulate these feelings and thoughts, too.

These are just some of the ways fashion can help with mental struggles.

But bear in mind that clothes themselves are not a remedy. They are a powerful way to overcome intrusive thoughts, negative feelings, or illness. But if you experience mental health issues, you should look inside you, talk about the problem or seek professional help.

You were not created to suffer. You are here to feel good. You are here to enjoy life.

Sometimes this last thing may seem impossible.

But when you return to it, you feel reborn.

So, please, fight and return to femininity!

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Dress, Don't Suppress: How Fashion Betters Mental Health

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It's not rare for women to experience mental health issues. About one in five struggles with depression, anxiety, phobias and others. What are the reasons and how can fashion help with these conditions? Read the article. Read this article to learn more about it. Check our blog section as well.

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The heart of the brand are:-
-Wellbeing
- Connection
-Advocacy
- Inclusion

Samina Tamot 2118726

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Tallulah Willis founded her fashion brand, Wyllis on kindness and inclusivity.

Expect vintage-inspired clothing that merges the best of a bygone era with a contemporary mindset, to offer playful pieces that you'll want to wear everyday. Here, sweatshirts emblazoned with positive messages sit alongside '50s vibing shirts, sweet tea dresses, and cropped cardigans.

To Tallulah, clothes aren't just garments, they hold a deeper meaning, not only acting as an expression of style, but strength too. And along the way she's curated her own gang that dance to this beat.

In the same vein, at the heart of the brand is wellbeing, connection, advocacy, and inclusion. Of utmost importance is to offer clothes that allow people to feel comfortable in their own skin, pieces that are comforting and cheery, promoting kindness and joy all round. Tallulah talks about her brand aesthetic, collaborations, and her mental health advocacy.
Felicity Carter: What was your first memory of fashion?
Tallulah Willis: I remember being really little, maybe 4 or 5, and it was in Paris after a runway show and my mom let me walk on the runway and the lights were so bright. It's just a flash but I remember that feeling.
FC: How would you sum up the aesthetic of Wyllis?
TW: Wyllis is comforting, without being comfort clothing. It's playful, with a relaxed energy that doesn't take itself too seriously.
FC: What is luxury to you?
TW: Luxury to me is touch. What the fabric feels like on your hand, the weight of a really delicious textile on your shoulders. Heaviness in a piece of gold jewelry. It's so personal.
FC: Who is your customer?
TW: My customer is someone who, like me understands the strength that clothing can give you. That with the right outfit, you can turn your whole day around.
FC: What are the cornerstones of your brand?
TW: Mental health awareness and normalization. Marrying clothing as a tool of advocacy. Creating a safe and stylish space in fashion for extended sizing. Being truly open, kind and welcoming.
FC: Which was the first piece that you designed and how did it come about?
TW: The first piece was my sweatshirts, it think it was the 'Yeah I'm Fine' one which is still one of my favorites. I think it's so honest and speaks such volumes to so many different people.
FC: What is on your current mood board?
TW: Snails, moths, rock landscapes.
FC: Currently, which is your favorite piece and how do you wear it?
TW: My favorite piece is our Leonard pant, it's so versatile. The cut and the side zip is so flattering and it nips at the waist in a way that creates such a beautiful silhouette. I wear day to night, just changing from a vintage tee to lurex blouse.
FC: How would you like the brand to evolve?
TW: On the design side I would love to lean more heavily into accessories, even jewelry at some point. For the heart of the brand I hope our mental health work can continue, particularly our collaborations with the Loveland Foundation.

See the full range on wyllis.com.

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tallulah willis  mental health awareness

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Tallulah Willis On Self Care, Connection, And Her Clothing Brand

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Tallulah Willis founded her fashion brand, Wyllis on kindness and inclusivity. Expect vintage-inspired clothing that merges the best of a bygone era with a contemporary mindset, to offer playful pieces that you'll want to wear everyday. Here, sweatshirts emblazoned with positive messages sit alongside '50s vibing shirts, sweet tea dresses, and cropped cardigans.

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the brand focused its streetwear on positivity and mental health awareness.

Samina Tamot 2118726

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We all know what a final product looks like. It's clean, refined and free of errors. It is highly curated and takes months or even years of work to build. The part that consumers don't see is the effort and detailed steps that go into creating the final product.

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How fashion impacts our mental wellbeing

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How fashion impacts our mental wellbeing

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How fashion impacts our mental wellbeing:

·         Look Good Feel Better

·         The Impact of Fashion on Well-Being

·         Self-Care is related to Mental and Physical Health

·         Self-Care Enhance our Mood

Elejabeth Gomes 2118692

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What is the connection between clothes, makeup and wellbeing? Researchers from the Science Programme at LCF have been exploring themes around body positivity and the influence of what we wear and the way we look on how we feel. Aurore Bardey, course leader for BSc Psychology of Fashion, and Soljana Çili, lecturer on the MSc Applied Psychology in Fashion, recently hosted 'The powerful impact of Fashion & Beauty', a conference where they presented the latest research on this topic. The charity Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) also attended as a special guest, sharing insight into how their work helps boost the physical and emotional wellbeing of people undergoing cancer treatment.

We caught up with Aurore and Soljana after the event to find out more about the links between fashion, beauty and mental health.
Image credits - Look Good Feel Better UK The theme for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week was body image. Why has it become such a prominent theme around mental health?
Aurore: "We are getting more and more aware of the importance of being mentally healthy, and body image is a huge part of mental health. People try to talk about it, but research show that at least 92% of women have an issue with their body - that means they wake up every day, they look at themselves in the mirror and they don't like what they see. Some other studies show that, sadly, this is a growing trend amongst males and teenagers. Body image is a big issue today, and people are starting to talk about it, so we really need to engage in this conversation."

Soljana: "It's very important because it has reached crisis levels. We have increasing numbers, especially of young people, both males and females, who are being diagnosed with eating disorders or not leading functional lives because of body image issues. There are a lot of misconceptions around this topic - even though there's a greater awareness of what it is - so it's essential to inform the public about what body image is, what it is influenced by and how we can enhance it."
What is the link between beauty or fashion and wellbeing?
Soljana: "If we're talking about beauty, fashion, makeup, we're talking about the body. We're embodied beings, we're physical beings, and if you're not happy with your body that's going to leave a mark, because you can't detach your mind from your body."

We have limited research on the effects of makeup and clothing on wellbeing and emotions, however the research that we've done so far does show they can have a positive impact - they might not make you feel you're entirely happy with your life, but it can enhance your mood and your overall psychological wellbeing.

For some people, clothing and makeup may seem a vane element in someone's life. How would you explain to them that fashion and beauty go beyond the way we look?
Aurore: "Obviously, fashion can be translated as non-conformity or ideas of beauty that no one will ever achieve, but clothing and beauty have enormous power to enhance our mood, our wellbeing and our daily performance. The research undertaken by some of our colleagues at LCF proves that fashion and beauty can have a very positive impact on people."

Soljana: "If someone feels that wearing fashionable clothes and makeup makes them feel better, why would you try to make them stop? We need to keep in mind that we are all different. Some people are happy wearing a uniform and others have a high need for uniqueness and they like to stand out - if they're not harming anyone and they're feeling very good about themselves, then let them be!"
How are the Psychology courses at LCF addressing these topics in the classroom?
Soljana: "These are topics that we cover extensively in both courses from different perspectives, that also lead to extensive debates in the classroom. For example, in the unit about personality and individual differences, I will go through body image, and then link it to diversity and to how body image is affected by fashion industry practices, and also how we can use the fashion and beauty industries to actually enhance wellbeing."

We also encourage students to research these topics, so a lot of our dissertations focus on body image and the impact of clothing, for example. When students finish the course they know what harms can result from the beauty and fashion industry practices, but also how we can harness their power to do good and help people.

How can the fashion and beauty industries can positively contribute to these issues?
Soljana: "Brands are now using various initiatives, like supporting charities like LGFB and organising events, where they show how their products can be used to do good. But the best way to do it and reach millions of people at once is through advertising strategies that actually emphasise body image and promote fashion in a positive way."

Aurore: "We can improve the marketing, the advertising and every single step of the relationship with the consumer, but we also need to see a change in the process of making and selling clothes, and that starts from the designers' mindset. As a psychologist, I do believe that a step by step approach is much more efficient than changing everything over night. Every tiny step will make a difference, as long as it's made thinking about the ethics and wellbeing of the consumer."

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Look Good Feel Better: the impact of fashion and beauty on wellbeing

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What is the connection between clothes, makeup and wellbeing? Researchers from the Science Programme at LCF have been exploring themes around body positivity and the influence of what we wear and the way we look on how we feel.

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Fashion & style can be used as a form of Self-Care.

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Fashion & style can be used as a form of Self-Care.

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These self-care categories include:

Professional self-care

Social self-care

Practical self-care

Spiritual self-care

Financial self-care

Emotional self-care

Physical self-care

Mental self-care

Elejabeth Gomes 2118692

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Self-Care Goals: Including Fashion & Style into Self-Care

More than a year and a half into the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is starting to feel a bit bigger day by day. But even as the world starts to open up again, we may still find ourselves burnt out from having to balance a million and one things including work, grocery shopping, the kids, planning upcoming functions, and oh, can't forget the dogs too! With the stressors of the pandemic still in play on top of all the daily to do's and routines, we need self-care more than ever!

The good thing is people are starting to prioritize self-care more and more now. From social media and TV to workplaces and politics, the concept of taking a moment to check in with your mental and physical state has become a mainstream idea. Yet, with so many roles to take on every single day, it's hard to find five minutes to yourself.

At Connected Apparel, we believe that fashion and style can be a form of self-care. After all, when you look good, you feel good, right?! We believe that you can incorporate 15 minutes of self-care during your daily "let's get ready for the day" routine!

But did you know that there are 8 types of self-care that we can attend to? Keep reading to learn more about types of self-care and how you can incorporate fashion and style within every category.

Being mindful and deliberate about what you choose to wear for the day is a great way to build up your self-care goals. Your intentional style choices can help ignite your inner confidence. But while this concept is simple, building the habit takes a conscious effort to achieve.

Dressing in a way that makes you feel put-together turns out to be a great (and easy) way to practice a bit of self-care every day. So, instead of quickly throwing on anything you can find in the morning rush, get into the habit of putting some time, care and consideration into what you wear on a day-to-day basis -- not just on the days when you have a special meeting or event to attend.

What does this look like? When you're getting ready for the day (or if you're choosing your outfit the night before), be deliberate about what you choose to wear. Ask yourself: "How do I want to feel today? Comfortable? Chic? Strong? Vibrant?" It's all possible!

Taking the time to choose an outfit you love, feel good in and that expresses your uniqueness shows the world around you that you take pride in who you are and that you are achieving your self-care goals . When you emanate positivity, you receive it in return.

When you think of self-care, what do you think of? Emotional self-care? Physical self-care? Mental self-care? You're not wrong! Those are all forms of self-care, but did you know that there are 8 different categories of self-care we can attend to that affect different aspects of our lives?

These self-care categories include:

1. Professional self-care

2. Social self-care

3. Practical self-care

4. Spiritual self-care

5. Financial self-care

6. Emotional self-care

7. Physical self-care

8. Mental self-care

We're here to give you tips on how you can incorporate fashion and style into each of these categories.

Self-care is not synonymous with being selfish or self-indulgent. Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy, you can be well, you can do your job, you can help and care for others, and you can do all the things you need to and want to accomplish in a day.

Getting a start on self-care can be as simple as dressing with intent to help you embody your desired state of mind, and having a go-to piece in your closet can be the perfect stepping stone to building up your style savvy and breaking down those skeptical inner voices.

Remember, don't be too hard on yourself! Learning to incorporate these different types of self care into your routine and improving your health is an ongoing process that ebbs and flows. Take it one day at a time and remember to smile at yourself when you look in the mirror because YOU LOOK GREAT!

Fayelynn Mahoney August 19, 2019

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Self-Care Goals: Including Fashion & Style into Self-Care

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Fashion and style can be used as a form of self-care! More than a year and a half into the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is starting to feel a bit bigger day by day.

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Elejabeth Gomes 2118692

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Fashion. Is. Self-care. Scream it from the rooftops, whisper it in your dog's ear, write it in a journal. Do whatever you need to do to internalize the idea that the clothing you put on your body is just as important as your other health and wellness self-care practices. Fashion self-care has become one of the most important movements stemming from COVID-19, and we are all about it. It's the therapy we all need and deserve.

Just by being mindful about the clothes you wear - even when working from home - you can improve your confidence, boost your self-esteem, enhance joy, and minimize anxieties and stresses. What is fashion self-care and how can you start showing yourself some love through your clothing?

"You decide what you are, what you want to express, by the way you dress." - Gianni Versace

How is fashion self-care?

How can fashion be considered self-care? We've previously discussed how clothing impacts your psychology. Looking good makes you feel good, and the colors and styles you put on can actually shape how you feel while wearing it.

When you dress down in sweats or PJs, you're subconsciously telling your brain that today's not worth dressing up for. You're undervaluing your day, so you're less likely to be productive. In reverse, if you decide to dress up, your brain says that today is a great day to get stuff done, to be a powerhouse, to feel confident. You're telling yourself that you deserve fashion.

You've probably experienced this before. You put on your favorite dress and you instantly feel like dancing? Or you throw on a string of pearls and your mood elevates. For me, whenever I put on animal prints, I know I'm about to have a fierce day. That's because we dress for the type of event we're going to-but what if, instead, we dressed for the type of mental event we want to have?

"You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it." - Edith Head

Fashion psychology

It's not just our opinion, either. Fashion psychology is a real study and practice. Fashion psychologists pair science with fashion to create therapeutic tools through fashion. They look at how a client's perception of herself impacts her wardrobe, and vice versa: how a few changes to their style can change the way the client views herself.

Fashion therapists create a safe space for people to work out their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. They then work together to create a personal style that can transform the individual's mental outlook and emotional wellbeing. The goal is to put together looks that value who you are as a uniquely beautiful individual.

Note: Fashion therapy isn't the same as retail therapy. Retail therapy is the act of buying clothing to make yourself feel better (and it may or may not actually make you feel better). Fashion therapy is the process of putting together an outfit that best reflects and enhances your mental and emotional state.

Check out this inspiring article by Alaina Leary on how she uses fashion for self-care.

How can you use your closet for fashion self-care?

Self-care is definitely not about spreading yourself thin. So you don't need to go out and completely change up your style or wardrobe to focus on fashion self-care. We'll give you some tips and tricks to leverage what you already have in your closet and to find designer steals by shopping consignment to take your look up one more notch.

You don't need a fashion therapist to get started with fashion self-care - but you can do a Google search to see if there are any in your area, if you're interested!

1. Plan outfits the night before

Set out a gorgeous, bold outfit the night before. That way, you're ready to take on the day without "wasting time" picking out an outfit that morning. You can throw on your best look and jump right into a productive day!

2. Match your makeup to your outfit

Throw eyeshadow on that's a similar shade to your shirt for a stunningly monochromatic look. This little detail can have a huge impact on your mental and physical composure. You don't need a full face, just a little touch of color to make you feel a little more put-together. A red lip always turns it up a notch for me!

3. Try it out for yourself to feel the difference

In the morning, wear only sweats or your "cozy" clothes. In the afternoon, throw on your best dress and some makeup. When are you more productive, energized, and confident? Which outfit makes you happier? Finding the outfits that you look and feel best in can help direct your wardrobe style.

4. Buy quality clothes

High-value clothes look and feel better on. They're more flattering, they have healthier materials (for you and the environment), and they will instantly dress up your look. Even a white tee feels different when it's made from quality materials with a great cut, compared to a fast fashion T-shirt. Quality clothes will make you feel like a fashion self-care influencer!

Learn how to spot quality clothes like an expert designer here.

5. Buy quality clothes... without breaking the bank

We all know that killing our budgets isn't going to make us feel good. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways to get designer clothing that's actually affordable. "Whoever said that money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping." (Bo Derek) Consignment shops sell pre-loved designer clothing at a fraction of the price, while retaining the quality and style that we look for in luxury pieces. There's a reason preloved fashion is the hottest craze, and getting even hotter since COVID-19: you can buy the most stunning pieces while staying within your 2021 budget!

You're a conscientious consumer, so buying fast fashion (knowing that it damages the environment in a hundred ways) probably isn't making you feel any better. Opt for secondhand clothing that gives renewed life to pieces and when possible, choose eco-friendly clothing materials that do a lot less damage to the environment. Fewer chemicals on your clothing means it's better for your physical health, and doing less harm to the environment will be good for your mental health too.

7. Organize your closet so that your favorite clothing sits toward the front.

Better yet, get rid of anything that doesn't fall in the category of "favorite clothing." You want to feel joy when you look at every piece in your wardrobe. We have an article specifically for your quarantine closet cleanout to make some money and clear our your mental space; it's a great way to get started with fashion therapy!

8. Don't forget the shoes.

As Bette Midler said, "I firmly believe that with the right footwear, one can rule the world." Or to quote Christian Dior, "The real proof of an elegant woman is what's on her feet." If you're all about jeans and a white tee, just throwing on the right pair of heels can instantly elevate your casual look to a whole new level. Heels lift you-physically and emotionally! Seriously, the right pair of shoes can completely change the look and feel of your outfit-and your headspace.

9. Stop saying you're not "into" fashion.

If you put clothes on, you're into fashion! "Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it." (Diane von Furstenberg) Fashion isn't about trends or what's "hot," it's about wearing clothes that you feel proud to be in. Get started figuring out what you love most with this personal style quiz.

10. Try out different outfits and styles.

You know what's great about all the coronavirus situation? There's more time at home to try new looks and styles without pressure. You can show off on Zoom to your girlfriends or at a work meeting without committing to an entire day in the outfit. If you feel great, you've got a new look! If not, there's always tomorrow to try again. You have to be bold and daring to figure out what you look and feel best in. Take note of what you like most-it says something about your unique personality!

Our biggest fashion self-care tip? Dress up! If your brain thinks it's important enough to dress up, you'll be more focused, have higher confidence, and you'll feel absolutely unstoppable! Even if you're working from home, feeling chic translates into a positive emotional response as well! Start shopping for your dressed-up looks without breaking your budget with Current Boutique's pre-loved gems!
Are YOU into fashion self-care? How are you taking care of yourself this 2021?

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Fashion Is the Self-Care You Need In 2022

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Just by being mindful about the clothes you wear - even when working from home - you can improve your confidence, boost your self-esteem, enhance joy, and minimize anxieties and stresses. What is fashion self-care and how can you start showing yourself some love through your clothing?

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Mynul islam 2120707

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“The relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have.” Robert Holden Try this exercise: imagine being in a relationship with someone you didn’t love, found to be deeply flawed, worthless, and not good enough. Now imagine you have to be in this relationship for the rest…

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Mynul islam 2120707

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Having trained as a personal stylist in 2011, whilst pregnant with my first child and subsequently working with over a thousand woman since, I have learnt a thing or two along the way and was keen to share both my experiences with my clients and my own journey too. I have always believed that we ALL all deserve to look and feel fabulous EVERY DAY - no matter if we spend our day in the boardroom, at soft play with our kids or on a movie set. Women get in touch with me because they want to reconnect with their sense of SELF and their sense of STYLE (although many claim not to have any sense of style, trust me we ALL do to some extent!) - they want to rediscover a bit of SASS and STYLE that they've perhaps lost along the way and this is something I can relate to as I've definitely lost my style mojo in the past (that's right, even a qualified personal stylist isn't immune to feeling like they're in style limbo!) For me, style limbo and a self confidence low-point came for me after I'd had my second child. I gained weight that I found hard to lose and with a toddler and a new baby to look after, self-care and my personal style was the last thing on my mind. I didn't feel like 'me' anymore, but I wasn't sure who this new me was and how to dress for my new shape. At the suggestion of my long-suffering husband, I gave myself a 'makeover'. Now this wasn't the dramatic transformation you might be envisaging. I didn't drop loads of weight, get a new hair style and a whole new wardrobe. It was much more subtle than that - it was a conscious decision to try and be a bit kinder to myself and to be more mindful about what I was wearing and how it made me feel. What I've come to realise over my years of working with so many women is that STYLE really is a form of SELF CARE.

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Why I View Personal Style As A Form Of Self Care

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Last year, just before the first lockdown took place I took to the stage at The Capsule's Fashion and Body event in Leeds - it was an evening packed with inspiring women, empowering messages and lots of fashion. I LOVED being a part of it!

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Fashion psychology is the latest self- care movement you need to know about for living your best life

Mynul islam 2120707

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Glamour SA | South Africa's Number One Women's Magazine

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Fashion psychology is the latest self-care movement you need to know about for living your best life

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https://www.england.nhs.uk/2018/11/encouraging-people-to-choose-self-care-for-life/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-couch/201905/self-care-is-important-why-is-it-so-hard-practice

https://activeforlife.com/self-care-tiny-habits/

Siddharth Kotra 2114209

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Crucial for all of us.

Temporary satisfaction.

Not have to be complex or expensive.

One way to practice self-care is through physical activities

Siddharth Kotra 2114209

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· Physical well-being.
· Economic well-being.
· Social well-being.
· Development and activity.
· Emotional well-being.
· Psychological well-being.
· Life satisfaction.
· Domain-specific satisfaction.
· Engaging activities and work.

Linlin Sha 2122051

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THE ONE OF THE BRANDS ABOUT OUR SEL CARE(CASA Home Good Mornings Candle)

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WELL-BEING

Being comfortable, healthy, or happy.

The absence of negative emotions.

Satisfaction with life.

Fulfilment and positive functioning.
siyi li 2110257