Courtesy of Ayana Iman

The pandemic shifted the way we work. For some, the “office” continues to be our home, conference calls take place over Zoom, and the water cooler conversations happen through Slack. 

Working from home allowed us to have autonomy over our lives and what we wore. Loungewear became the new dress attire. Many people traded their suits for sweats and heels for house shoes. Early on, I enjoyed not having to get dressed. I would roll out of bed onto my laptop without thinking twice. But after a few weeks, things got, well, stale. Yes, being comfy has its perks, but I was starting to feel unmotivated. As days became weeks and our stint at home became indefinite, it was time to make a change. For me, this included implementing a routine and getting dressed. 

Sheva Assar, a licensed clinical psychologist in Orange County, California, told HuffPost that the behavioral act of getting dressed can have a significantly positive impact on our mood, confidence, and behaviors. She believes the act of getting dressed up first thing in the morning may “increase our motivation to do other things throughout the day, to experience more energy and to want to do more things.”

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Courtesy of Ayana Iman

I could not agree more. When I look good, I feel good. Getting dressed helped me feel a sense of normality when the world was very different. I enjoyed showing up my best self, not because I had to, but it changed my outlook on the day. And if I’m being honest, I didn’t want to outgrow my jeans. My morning routine consisted of waking up at 6 AM, working out, breakfast, and then doing my makeup before picking out an outfit. I wanted to show up to the function – a.k.a. work – with confidence. Pushing myself to get dressed had a positive effect on my colleagues too. They noticed how I would show up to calls unafraid to put my camera on and shared how it inspired them to do the same.

Mental health is important to me. I used color therapy, a form of therapy that uses color and light to treat certain mental and physical health conditions, to elevate my mood. For example, if I am giving a presentation, I will wear a powerful color like red, which has a range of symbolic meanings, including power, courage, and passion. If I am feeling unsure, I will wear green which symbolizes success. Wearing yellow helped me feel joy when I needed it the most. 

As you shift back into the office or continue to work from home, create a routine that makes sense for you. Life is not just about being productive or keeping busy; it is about enjoying the time you have on this earth. Be present. Acknowledge when you need a change and adjust accordingly. Perhaps, you put on that outfit you saved for a special occasion just because it’s Tuesday. Or you dress up your joggers with jewelry and your favorite shoes. Remember, good lighting helps.