How many of us feel pressure to present the right image? Even young people are very image and brand conscious. Try to persuade a young person to use a cheaper brand of private label running shoes 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 the Elite Tier if they are able to keep every last minute. appearance.
Adults like to think that they are less judgmental than young people. They recognize that much of the pressure to conform is media driven, seeking 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 someone else’s possessions, clothing, or self-presentation, but image is often an important factor in our relationships with others. We all make instant decisions, we 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, be it our partners, friends and family, employers, customers and clients. . . It shows that we consider ourselves important, care enough to want to make a good impression, and are prepared to spend time, money, and effort looking good when we commit to being with other people.
Wearing a fancy suit, a killer pair of heels, a swipe of lipstick, expensive aftershave, having a beauty treatment, a new hairstyle makes us feel so much more confident, knowing 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 support expensive wardrobes, designer handbags, expensive homes, 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 drive the decision to work fewer hours and come home more early to be with our children to discuss what is going on in their lives.
Image pressure can cause a significant amount of personal stress. The pressure of having a body of a certain shape or size, exceptionally lean or muscular and ripped can cause body anxiety in young and old, men and women, as they strive to eat less or exercise more. The incidence of eating disorders, once considered the purview of young women, is increasing among young men and older people as they feel 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 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 color their hair to hide the evidence of their advanced age, spending their time agonizing over ways to hide the signs of their hair loss.
And yes, fitting in, being received in a positive light, being seen as successful, attractive and professional can give a major 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 a certain dignity and gravitas to a situation where staff feel positive as part of the corporate team. The compulsory 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 can be something that parents aspire to for the sake of their children; 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 living. A nutritious diet, regular exercise routine, and stress-free lifestyle are recognized as effective ways to take good care of ourselves and counteract the effects of aging and overeating. When asked what they find most attractive in others, many people commented that it was his natural, laid-back manner, infectious sense of humor, and kind nature that attracted them the most.
Perhaps we should spend more time and energy learning ways to relax, to focus on what is 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. . it lives.