Tips to overcome stress

12 May 2018

This article was featured in the June 2018 issue of the magazine.

Lauren Manville, wardrobe therapist, reveals how to identify stress and how to dress to alleviate stress

Statistics taken from the Health and Safety Executive suggests that 70% of women are more likely to suffer from work-related stress.

When we are stressed it tends to show on the outside – our skin, hair, waistline, sleep (as well as our wardrobes) may all suffer.

There are numerous pressures that women face including children, elderly parents, their own health and harsh environment of the workplace – which are just a few general factors that can start to erode women’s self-esteem. One of the first places this can be reflected is how they start to dress.

...tell-tale signs someone is suffering from stress...

The following are expert tips on the tell-tale signs someone is suffering from stress and how to work towards rebuilding self-esteem:

Darker clothing choices – This makes us feel like we are invisible since we can fade into the background. Sometimes though it can act more of a barrier and make us appear stand offish or aloof. Injecting even the smallest amount of colour can have a positive impact on our outlook and attitude and even attract positive people around us.
Baggy, shapeless styles – When getting dressed is a headache, collating a form flattering outfit is not the top priority; however, wearing a more woven fabric or going for pieces with darts and panels in them will add structure and thereby provide a more sculptural shape which will be more flattering and in turn improve confidence.
Not feeling inspired in the morning – Struggling to create a look and heading for your default look. There’s nothing wrong with ease in getting dressed but if we are losing inspiration and sense of style and energy, this can be a sign of low mood.
Struggling to find the energy to go shopping – This can indicate reduced sleep, reduced interest in self but also can point to reduced validation. Perhaps we don’t feel that we are worthy of the clothing we are shopping for. Invest and allow yourself to indulge – you deserve it.
Shopping stress – Difficulty to find an outfit when you are shopping – feeling like nothing looks good. You might have an unfair perception of yourself, focusing on an area you don’t like. Try to see yourself as the sum of your parts and try not to home in on the one detail that is having a detrimental effect on your self-esteem.
Body language – As a speech and language therapist I infer someone’s emotions and communications via non-verbal cues when they don’t have the capacity, motivation, language or comprehension to verbalise them. These are incredibly important in detecting if someone is feeling low. Reduced eye contact, a voice so soft that you are frequently asked to repeat yourself, and in general reduced verbal interactions. In terms of body language, look for elements where someone is shrinking in on themselves, using smaller hand movements to gesticulate. Reduced social interactions and opting for your own company at the slightest excuse. All of these are key indications that someone is not doing ok and may need some support.