Can my outside appearance really change my mood?

For several days, I had been studying for a statistics final, and did not leave the house. I did shower daily but did not wash my hair. No make-up or perfume, no cute clothes, just some old t-shirt and crop leggings were my go-to uniform. I was totally wrapped up in the task of doing my best for this final, so appearance was not of any importance. After the final, I had made dinner plans with a girlfriend. I showered, washed my hair, put on make-up, picked out something fun but comfortable and even sprayed on a little perfume. I felt like a completely different person.

I felt full of energy and ready to have fun. Okay, you know me, I started contemplating on was it the shower, the freshly washed hair, the makeup, or the perfume. It was not the outfit. It had been in my closet for several years. I am not of course positive but believe it was a little of all the above. Does our appearance influence our moods? I of course, decided I wanted to do a little research.

Having been in the fashion business for many years, I have always loved following the fashion trends and the newest types of make-up. But had never really thought about how it could possibly influence our feelings on the inside. We have all heard the saying, when you look good, you feel good, but did we believe it or that in could help our moods? I do admit, there are times when I go into a room with a mirror and say, wow, I need a little lipstick or blush? Is that bad? Is that being too vain? Maybe, I do believe that my appearance has an effect on my mood.

According to a Cleveland Clinic article, Self-image is the personal view, or mental picture, that we have of ourselves. Self-image is an “internal dictionary” that describes the characteristics of the self, including such things as intelligent, beautiful, ugly, talented, selfish, and kind. These characteristics form a collective representation of our assets (strengths) and liabilities (weaknesses) as we see them. So, I am to believe that maybe it is not so much of our appearance but what we think of our appearance at the moment. It also explains how self-image is important because how we think about ourselves affects how we feel about ourselves how an impact on how we interact with others. A positive self-image can boost our physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. On the other hand, a negative self-image can decrease our satisfaction and ability to function in these areas. The article also explains how we can change our thoughts concerning our self-image. Self-image is not permanently fixed. Part of our self-image is dynamic and is always changing. We can learn to develop a healthier and more accurate view of ourselves and how we see ourself in the mirror. Self-image change occurs over our lifetime. A healthy self-image starts with learning to accept and love ourselves. It also means being accepted and loved by others. I so believe this. You have to love to learn to love yourself in order to truly love others.

What have I gained by all of this? I do believe the saying whole heartedly now, when I look good, I feel good! I am not saying that I am not going to not put on makeup or wash my hair for days anymore, but I am going to get dressed up when I am feeling sluggish or grumpy. I know this can be a game changer. This might not be for everyone, but at least we can give it a try. I follow a podcaster who works from home but gets dressed up each and every day with makeup and all! I remember thinking wow, that is nuts, or a whole lot of trouble. However, now I realize this might be the motivation that she needs to get through her day feeling energized. It is early in the morning, I always wash my face, brush my teeth, and usually brush my hair. Not this morning! I just looked in a mirror and thought to myself, lets put on a little lip gloss LOL.