Tips to overcome stress
Lauren Manville, wardrobe therapist, reveals how to identify stress and how to dress to alleviate stress
S tatistics 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. 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. ...tell-tale signs someone is suffering from stress... ● 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. o
Stress and mental health problems
A recent UK-wide stress survey Awareness week has found that: ● 74% of adults have at some point over the last year felt so stressed they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope ● 32% had experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings because of stress, and ● 16% said they had self-harmed due to feelings of stress. commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation to launch Mental Health
The study is included in the report Stress – Are we coping , published by the Mental Health Foundation. Isabella Goldie, Mental Health Foundation director, said: “Stress is a significant factor in mental health problems including anxiety and depression. It is also linked to physical health problems like heart disease, problems with our immune system, insomnia and digestive problems. “Individually we need to understand what
is causing us personal stress and learn what steps we can take to reduce it for ourselves and those around us. “We also need to change at a societal level. This includes ensuring that employers treat stress and mental health problems as seriously as physical safety. “We are also asking for well-being days to be provided to public sector workers as part of reducing the pressure on those who work hardest to look after us.” o
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | June 2018 | Issue 41 36
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