How many of us feel the pressure to present the right image? Even the young are very image and brand conscious. Try to persuade a young person to wear a cheaper brand of private label sneakers from the supermarket; It would be considered the ultimate humiliation!
Television, magazines and social media treat wearing a particular brand of clothing and accessories or using the latest technology as an essential part of having street credibility. For young people this is especially important as it puts them on a par with others in their peer group, makes them feel like they belong, and maybe even elevates them to Elitist Tier if they are able to keep up with every last minute. aspect.
Adults like to think that they are less critical than young people. They recognize that much of the pressure to conform is driven by the media, they seek to support sales, introduce new trends and products, be seen as dynamic and innovative. Many adults would hate to be perceived as superficial or unduly affected by another person’s possessions, clothing, or presentation of themselves, but image is often an important factor in our relationships with others. We all make snap decisions, form instant impressions of people when we first meet.
And taking care of our appearance, dressing well, taking care of ourselves can be perceived as taking responsibility for ourselves, as well as showing good manners and consideration for the company we keep, whether it be for our partners, friends and family, employers, clients and clients. . . It shows that we consider ourselves important, care enough to want to make a good impression, and are prepared to invest time, money, and effort in looking good when we commit to being with other people.
Wearing a fancy suit, a killer pair of heels, a dash of lipstick, an expensive aftershave, having a beauty treatment, a new hairstyle makes us feel so much more confident, knowing that we look good. When we feel like we look good, we are often able to up our game and portray that positive personality. We are taller, we feel more in control.
However, putting ourselves under enormous pressure to earn the money to maintain expensive wardrobes, designer handbags, expensive houses, cars, vacations, and school fees can put undue pressure on our quality of life, relationships, health and wellness. Stopping and reflecting on what is important in life can sometimes result in spending less money and enjoying a camping trip instead of a 5-star luxury vacation, it can prompt a decision to work fewer hours and come home longer. early to be with our children to discuss what is happening in their lives.
Image pressure can cause a significant amount of personal stress. The pressure of having a certain body shape or size, exceptionally thin or muscular and ripped can cause body anxiety in youth and adults, men and women, as they strive to eat less or exercise more. Once considered the province of young women, the incidence of disordered eating is increasing among young men and older people as they feel the pressure to look good through media-defined eyes.
Maintaining a positive appearance as we age is also important as part of our permanent image and the desire to be accepted in certain spheres of life. Feeling the pressure to look young and hide the signs of aging can sometimes force some of us to consider the need for surgical and non-surgical procedures, sometimes at great financial, physical, and psychological cost. Many people dye their hair to hide the evidence of their advanced age, spending time agonizing over ways to hide the signs of their hair loss.
And, yes, fitting in, being received in a positive way, being seen as successful, attractive and professional can give a significant boost to our confidence in our day-to-day lives. Wearing the right clothes, looking fit and attractive is often a key aspect of the impression we make.
Some people feel more confident when they wear a smart company uniform; portrays a specific image, a corporate brand identity with all its associated professionalism. A uniform can bring some dignity and seriousness to a situation where staff feel positive as part of the corporate team. The mandatory school uniform negates the need for schoolchildren to compete with each other for their daily dress, but the school uniform from a highly regarded school may be something parents aspire to for their children’s sake; conveys an elitist image.
But aside from that, let’s not ignore the role that stress management and self-care can play in our lives and work towards maintaining a healthy and positive way of life. A nutritious diet, a regular exercise routine and a stress-free lifestyle are recognized as effective ways to take good care of ourselves and counteract the effects of aging and excess. When asked what they find most attractive in others, many people commented that it was their easy-going manner, infectious sense of humor, and kind nature that appealed to them the most.
Maybe we should spend more time and energy learning ways to relax, focus on what’s really important in our lives, and pay less attention to the pressures of advertising and the media when deciding what to wear, how to look, and how to live our lives. . lives.