LauRen Says It All The Time: There Are Mental Health Benefits To Getting Dressed For Work
Sure, that weighted blanket is comfortable…but it’s not doing much for your mental health. If you want to come out on the other side of this crisis, as the kickass…
NEW YORK – MAY 7: A job applicant speaks with recruiter Renee Chandler (R) during an interview May 7, 2003 at the offices of Metro Support Group in New York City. The nation’s jobless rate climbed to six percent in April, rising for the third straight month, adding up to half a million lost jobs. New York’s job market has especially been hit hard, with many applicants being unable to find work. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)Sure, that weighted blanket is comfortable...but it’s not doing much for your mental health. If you want to come out on the other side of this crisis, as the kickass employee you’ve always been, it’s probably best to save all those comfortable clothes for after work hours.
Simply put, we’re creatures of habit. Psychologist De’Von Patterson says “knowing what’s coming next can be comforting” and keeping it together right now is all “about having some semblance of what your day and week looks like.” So keeping up some parts of your morning routine is more important than ever.
Barb and I talk about this all the time on our podcast, Mommyhood 2 Menopause. Barb is one of those women who have to get up and get ready to take on the day even in quarantine and I struggle to put on a fresh bra for the show in the morning sometimes.
Experts say that doesn’t mean you’ve got to put on your best formal gear every day before heading to the couch. I don’t think it’s critical to put your suit on. Just something that’s different from your lounging clothes. This simple act helps your brain get ready to shift into work mode. Plus, if you end up rocking the same sweatsuit every day while working at home, you’re only going to increase those feelings like you’re in a “Groundhog Day” state.
Experts also agree that you should be flexible with your routine and to go easy on yourself during this quarantine. But if you want to avoid an isolation-funk, a little mascara or hair gel could go a long way.
