Self - Expression and Mental Health

We all have an inherent desire to be seen and truly known. This is the human need to know that we matter. Some of us over time, though, have stifled our ability to be seen. We may have learned to squash it as a coping or protective mechanism or we might be intimidated by the vulnerability of being seen.

One way we attempt to be understood is in the way we express ourselves through clothing, hair style, acces- sories, art, home decor, and overall style.

Self-expression through our style is one way we can communicate to and about our selves: our mood, emotions, interests, vibe. It is an outward representation of who we are or what we are experiencing. So often we suppress this in our culture that focuses on our fitting in, looking a certain way, and projecting an image of having it all together. This pressure can cause us to question or even alter what our own true style really even is. We grow out of tune with our sense of expression in service of chasing trends or blending in.

Imagine what it would be like to shed self-consciousness and to be able to wear or decorate with what simply

makes you feel joyful or creative. There is such freedom in being able to listen to whatever emotion is present or whatever emotion you want to invoke.

The benefit to your mental health of genuinely ex- pressing yourself is profound. This is when we feel aligned with our innermost desires and self-concept which naturally boosts confidence and presence. In this, there is flexibility and room to play, which is an- other concept that gets stifled out of us adults! It’s your prerogative to show up how you want to on any given day or to create an essence in your living or working space that reflects how you want to feel.

Consider what it feels like when on a rainy, dreary day, you’d rather not get out of bed and you’re drag- ging, but you put on a bright pink top with cute yellow galoshes. Or when you’re feeling introspective or nos- talgic and you come home to sit in your living room and shuffle through memories that are brought on by your eclectic hand-picked accessories and art. These are intentional, personal choices that can help shift your mood, help with processing your emotions, and emit energy that communicates to others.

Here are some tips to help you identify what resonates with YOU as far as personal style so that you might find the courage to show up and express yourself!

• Consider what inspires you and what you’re drawn to: colors, looks, pattern combinations, etc.
• Create a vision board.
• Notice what sensations you physically feel when wearing or using a certain style.
• Feel permission and curiosity to experiment. Step out and notice how it feels to embody this style ver- sus any negative, insecure self-talk that might occur.
• Talk back to or reframe any inner critic voice that is increasing self-consciousness. Try some mantras of self-compassion: I deserve to take up space, My worth isn’t defined by what others think of me, etc.