Every week in India, we celebrate some festival or the other. At this time when mental problems are becoming a tragedy, the importance of festivals is being understood. In today's chaos, where we are not able to meet friends and relatives outside of work, this festival brings happiness and an opportunity for socialization where we ignore our problems for some time or days and spend time with each other.
Statistics show that 1 in 4 people have mental health problems; among various reasons, social isolation or loneliness is also an important factor, so the importance of festivals increases a lot. Maintaining balance in today's stressful life is a big challenge, but festivals reduce stress and create a new energy inside where festive dressing plays an important role. The hustle and bustle behind the choice of clothes during festival time like going to the market, enjoying food etc. also positively impacts our mental health. During festivals, many activities can lift your spirits and make you feel good about yourself.
Positive effect on self-confidence: According to various studies, small efforts like styling hair, and wearing colourful clothes while getting ready for a festival boost self-confidence. When we feel confident, take care of ourselves, meet people, eat healthy food, and exercise comes naturally which is good for physical and mental health.
Freedom from monotony: Coming out from routine work to buy clothes and wearing a different type of dress than the regular dress we wear during a typical day gives a feeling of newness. It creates new energy inside us.
Sense of tradition: The clothes we wear during festivals create a feeling of harmony within us, which strengthens the spirit of youth within us.
Effect of colour on our mood: Festive attire is drenched in colours where some colours calm our mind, and some bring passion and energy, hence this attire has a positive effect on us.
Body Image: Poor body image is related to anxiety disorders and depression. Body image is not just two aspects, yet many people have problems with it, but festive dressing can have a positive effect on it.
Positive effect on behaviour: When we look good and are also encouraged to behave positively, which causes positive energy to flow into the environment around us, it also has a good effect on our mental health.
In a busy life full of competition, self-care becomes very important and this festival gives us an opportunity to do something for ourselves along with our loved ones. Make yourself feel good, it is very important for mental health. Festivals bring joy to our life, and we witness many cheerful and bright-eyed individuals around us during the season. This has a direct impact on our mood. Also, it's a period when you invest quality time with those in your family, chit-chatting and doing things that make you happy.
When discussing this, we should remember that some people around us have bad financial conditions, and it will be painful to see their colourful clothes from a distance. They will not be in a position to buy it. Spread love and happiness among them.
(Article credit: Dr. Arvind Otta, Senior Psychologist & Mental Health Activist)
