Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
Women’s mental health is a delicate topic that many people don’t like or shy away from altogether. It is for this reason, I am more than happy to openly discuss it with my readers. This article focuses on a specific part of our lives that can affect how we feel mentally and emotionally. Our appearance is vastly important to some women and not a concern for others. This broad range of focus on our looks doesn’t mean that one type of woman is less or more likely to have mental health problems. I believe that any woman can feel down or happy about how she looks and is perceived by others.
I experience days when my appearance affects my overall mood and ones that don’t. Days when I look well put together (and I know it), I feel more mentally balanced, and my behavior reflects it. It has also played a role in how I give self-love. On days when I feel sick and don’t look my best, I tend to hide more, depriving myself of connection with others. I don’t know about you, but being disconnected does bad stuff to my mindset.
Lack of self-love can definitely create some imbalances in how we feel about ourselves, the world, and our purpose. On the contrary, having a good relationship with our physical appearance can skyrocket us into joy and mental balance. So let’s discuss further women’s mental health, keeping in mind that our appearance just might affect it.
5 Ways Appearance Can Affect Women’s Mental Health
Feeling Good about Our Appearance Improves Health in General
Looking after your physical appearance can greatly improve your health in general. This happens by paying attention to things like diet, exercise, and staying away from harmful substances. Simple actions like taking care of our skin and hair daily can also have an impact on our general health. Not to mention, these self-care staples make us feel good about our appearance. And that is the connection to mental health specifically. Honestly, I learned to look at my health as a whole and not separate the mind from the body. The two are intimately connected in ways that affect everything we do, think, and create.
Think about the destructive cycle that bulimia and anorexia sufferers go through. They constantly try to control every aspect of their weight, eating, and how they look, which becomes an obsession. This, in turn, can lead to serious physical and mental health issues. Self-destructive behavior like this can start with a dislike for appearance or how they think they are perceived by others.
Looking Our Best Improves Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt disappointed about the way you look? How did it affect your mood for the rest of the day? I’ve been emotionally crushed in many fitting rooms that showed me aspects of my appearance that I wanted to forget. In these times, it’s easy to think bad thoughts about ourselves and forget that our bodies are temples.
Remember, there are things you can change about your appearance and things that you can’t. First and foremost, I highly recommend that you focus on gratitude and loving the person that you are. However, if you know that improving your looks would lift your spirits and improve your self-esteem, change what you can. Consider what you could change and the cost to do it. Seek out quality practitioners like the Northside Dental Group, a knowledgeable esthetician, a fierce hair stylist, and a personal trainer. Make a plan and go for it!
Appearance Can Affect Women’s Mental Health: Mood and Energy
The lifestyle we lead can have a significant influence on our well-being and mental health. Consider a woman who works long hours at a job she hates. Her stress levels are likely high, and her appearance could suffer. Know that stress and anxiety, as well as unfulfillment, are catalysts for declining women’s mental health. Here’s that appearance ⇒ mood ⇒ mental health connection again.
On the other hand, women who live fulfilled lives are happier and show it on the outside. Are you starting to understand how important our appearance can be to our lives? I didn’t show these two opposite examples to judge or stereotype anyone. I’ve mentioned it to encourage consistent self-care no matter what your circumstances are.
Personal Appearance Can Influence Socialization
As I mentioned above, I have had days when I don’t want to see anyone. How about you? Have you had tragic hair days, sick days, or ones that offered nothing positive? At times like this, it’s important to be gentle and show yourself some love whether you are going out or staying in. That said, of course, we want to look our best when we socialize. This is a part of self-care and bringing our A-game.
The better you feel about your appearance, the easier it is to socialize and navigate the modern world. Social media has clearly shown us just how important we consider visual attributes to be. That’s one reason why many women pay so much attention to the way they look. I’m not saying that looks are everything because they aren’t. Just do your best to take care of yourself for you and others will notice.
Though appearance isn’t important to everyone, it has the potential to affect our mental health in subtle, profound ways. Pay attention to your thoughts and beliefs surrounding how you look. This will help you identify any areas you might need to work on physically and emotionally. Remember, you are beautiful just the way you are, but you’re the one that needs to believe it.
Be Well, my friends!
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, its owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors, and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
