More Than Aesthetic appeal

The effects of aesthetics on your mental and emotional well-being

by BRI WILLIAMS, ARNP REFINED AESTHETICS MED SPA, PLLC

When I was younger, I remember my grandmother telling me that when we look our best, we feel our best, and when we feel our best, we do our best. For most individuals, the simple act of doing your hair or trimming your mustache can help you to feel more confident and ready to conquer the day. On the flip side, neglecting self-care and lounging in pajamas without a shower all day can result in feelings of low self-worth and esteem. So, what is the science behind the emotions? And is taking pride in your appearance really all that important? Turns out the answer is yes.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, when many were in home isolation and unable to complete their normal self-care routines with hair appointments and spa trips, health care providers began discussing “aesthetic emotions.” This area of psychology examines how an individual’s perceived aesthetic appeal is subjectively felt as either pleasure or displeasure based on whether that individual likes or dislikes their appearance (Menninghaus et al., 2019). Completing activities that make an individual feel more attractive, such as putting on makeup or a nice outfit, can result in a release of feelgood hormones into the bloodstream that carry messages between nerve cells and improve your mood. Dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin are all responsible for feelings of euphoria and happiness and are tightly related to aesthetic emotions. The mental health benefits of positive aesthetic emotions include:

Improved Quality Of Life

When individuals are free of insecurities that once made them feel self-conscious, their social life and leisure activities can become more enjoyable by allowing them to live without the social anxiety of insecurity. Even something as simple as running into the grocery store with greasy, unwashed hair versus a fresh blow-out can make the difference between approaching an old friend you haven’t seen in ages rather than dodging out unnoticed. When social interactions can occur uninhibited, quality of life can be improved.

BETTER SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE

Liking what you see in the mirror helps you to feel more confident and comfortable in your skin. Remember the happy hormones we talked about? A surge is released when you are pleased with your reflection. Walking through your day feeling confident can improve productivity, mood, and feelings of well-being.