Gives us a break, dressing up is therapeutic

Being criticised by your social media photos?  The majority of us might have experienced the wrath of  Facebook and Instagram critics. Yes, The pandemic has brought the best and worst in us. Since we experienced several lockdowns we dedicate most of our time to social media to the point that we find several posts cringy and end up taking the best out of us. 

Recently, we celebrated National Mental Health Week and it's a good opportunity for us to get to know how we can cope in these trying times.  Some people find computer games, watching tv, reading books, painting, handcrafting as diversional activities to get out of the harsh reality that we can't see family and friends regularly not to mention a bunch of our personal struggles and traumas in life. 

 There is a common notion that buying trendy clothes, luxurious items including "it bags" were associated with seeking attention and impressing followers however, this kind of perspicacity is such a fallacy for the reason that not every fashion enthusiast is after attention, likes or even clout. Some people just like to feel good when they like the color combination of their OOTD  when they look at themselves in the mirror. It's as basic as buying chocolates for the reason of feeling better once you get a taste of it however when you buy expensive chocolates, you don't get judged for it. Some assume that fashionistas dress to impress just to get attention but it is not true for everyone. It absolutely holds true that our style affects the perception of people about us, on the other hand, sporting clothes that you matched  has a positive impact on one's confidence and also involves self-expression, in addition to that, dolling up  aids in processing emotions too. Several people  who love dressing up are focusing on themselves alone. Being stylish doesn't always involve other people. Not all the time. Fashion enthusiasts use fashion to communicate furthermore,  communication plays a huge role for us to overcome stress. When we say fashion is therapy, we don't refer to the retail part alone. According to Emily Van Sonneberg of Positivepsychologynews.com,  Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that the clothes we wear affect our psychological states, as well as our performance levels. 

The art of reinvention on my part or creating what I want to wear is therapeutic for me. Style is a form of confidence. If styling their daily look boosts their confidence, helps them achieve the best version of themselves then why don't you give them a break? Fashion is also a work of art, although this might be different from the conventional art that we are familiar with, nevertheless, allow everyone to appreciate art that they prefer through fashion. Like a form of art therapy,  in my case, I make my own clothes at times and design my own accessories. I find it therapeutic and relaxing,  don't condemn us for that. We should be more accepting in how people choose to express themselves, may it be fancy or low key.  People undergo struggles that we know nothing about, We are all fighting for our Mental Health. Take note that prioritizing one's mental health is a form of self-care. 

We just have to let each other heal despite the struggles that we experience in our daily lives. Let go of negative insinuations, instead, turn them into something that would inspire us to do what we love. It doesn't mean that we are encouraging frequent retail therapy as the sole solution for all the stressors that we encounter in our everyday lives instead, allow people to be themselves and encourage them to celebrate their individuality even if you have a different perception of healing. We can have our own definition of what is therapeutic and that is perfectly fine.