Self Care And Fashion: Mental Health Awareness

In this video interview for Afro Queens Day, MamMaw Founder, and qualified BACP accredited Psychotherapist, Shantel discusses many topics surrounding her fashion career, upbringing, side projects, and much more. She also briefly touches on mental health awareness and how fashion can be used as a tool to practice self-care and jumpstart your day positively.

Using Fashion as a Tool for Self Care

Fashion is sometimes seen as trivial and simply a practical way to clothe our bodies to protect them from the cold. But, at MamMaw, we see fashion as so much more than that. For us, fashion is a foundational step to starting your day the right way. Fashion allows you to express yourself, without saying a single word.

Choosing clothes that fit you well, complement your skin tone, and in the spirit of Marie Kondo, give you sheer joy, communicates who you are and who you want to be! If you have a few clothes in your wardrobe that you’re no longer fond of, donating or selling these could be a viable option.

By choosing to wear clothes that bring you joy, you’re setting the scene for a positive outlook for your day. It becomes a self care practice. So, for example, if you want to have a successful interview; whether it’s via video call or in-person, ensure that you dress the part!

If you intend to have a productive workday from home; dress the part! Whether or not people see you, fashion is still a very powerful form of self-expression. And you can still dress for yourself. After all, you deserve it!

There’s truth in the saying “dress for success’’. When you dress the part, you begin to act the part. Then, before you know it, you’ll BE the part! Your entire being and attitude can transform, simply by following these principles.

Being Intentional With Your Speech

Shantel talks about using language as a tool to boost your mental health and confidence in a way that’s beneficial to you.

Daily affirmations can reinforce positive aspects of yourself which can lead to a positive and productive day, week, month, and even year. So be kind to yourself. Speak amiable words to yourself. Replace negative words about yourself and other people with positive words. It takes some getting used to, but it’s so beneficial!

There are times when you don’t have the answers. In those times, tell yourself: ”it’s ok. I don’t have the answers now, however, I will find them”.

It’s important to be kind to yourself. One of the ways to do this is to speak kindly about yourself

-Shantel MamMaw

Self Care Next Steps + FREE GIFT!

Naomi Empowers is a highly sought-after Transformation Coach. She also offers FREE motivational audio messages delivered daily straight to your inbox for 7 days. It’s a great way to start your day, and you get to keep the audio clips forever! You can play them back as many times as you want! Visit Naomi Empowers website & sign up for your FREE daily affirmations or click the purple image below.

If you need to speak to anyone, Samaritans offer a FREE 24-hour helpline. Their motto is “Whatever you are going through a Samaritan will face it with you”.  Visit Samaritans.org or call 116 123.

We really hope this blog post & video helps you and your loved ones, especially in these unprecedented times.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Please comment below and let us know your biggest take away you got from this blog post & video.

Self care is essential to flourishing as an individual. So remember to be kind to yourself…