In today’s world, it seems like there are health risks in everything, from the air you breathe and the food you eat, to the hours you work and the news you watch. On top of that, there are so many health crazes, it’s difficult to know where to start when combating an illness, anxiety, or stress. Luckily, there are many ways to take your health into your own hands without losing your stride—or your style.
If you’re looking for a few fashionable ways to live a healthier life, you can start by doing one (or all!) of these:
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Wear Organic Fabrics
One little-known way of improving your health through your fashion choices is by cutting out synthetic materials. Manufactured textiles (like rayon) are treated with harsh chemicals like ammonia and acetone to preserve them. Pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) may also be used.
According to the Huffington Post, “irritated skin, rashes and even headaches and dizziness can be caused by the chemical residue trapped in the threads.” Some byproducts are known carcinogens.
By choosing natural fabrics like organic cotton, linen, or hemp, you’ll not only be protecting your health. You’ll also be using your purchasing power to support workers in the textile industry by showing manufacturers you care about the environment.
Invest in Health-Enhancing Bling
Essential oils are becoming more accessible at higher qualities, and can be used to treat a variety of health issues and symptoms. Depending on the type of oil, they can relieve stress, promote sleep, kill germs, and help with respiratory problems.
Oils are typically diffused with a humidifier or applied directly to the skin with a carrier oil. Health-fashionistas, however, wear their wellness in style, with essential oil-infused jewelry, like a lava bead bracelet or aromatherapy necklace.
These lockets look like iron-wrought jewel pendants, but inside are really therapeutic aroma balls, which come in a myriad of colors to match any outfit. Try lavender to relax, eucalyptus for a cold, or lime to promote energy and focus.
Apply Some (Stylish) Compression
A brief explanation: compression garments, like socks or arm sleeves, assist in blood circulation and reduce swelling and soreness. They are typically worn by athletes and runners to recover after a workout, frequent travelers, those who work on their feet, and people with certain health conditions (like diabetes).
In fact, you may have seen compression socks at the airport or your local pharmacy and found them to be quite drab, but no more. Women’s compression leggings, socks, and sleeves now come in all kinds of fashion-forward patterns and designs.
Sleeves for women going through breast cancer treatment are even customizable, and help those super-strong ladies recover in style instead of sterile, medical-looking garments. Some are even infused with Aloe Vera to moisturize your skin.
Get in Touch with Your Fashion Feels
The principle of feel-good fashion applies to more than your physical health. Studies have shown that wearing a certain outfit can actually help you “embody some of those qualities” associated with a particular item of clothing.
That’s right—wearing workout clothes makes you more likely to work out, and power suits really do make you better at your job. Even better, the clothes you wear can actually make you happy.
Researchers found that people more often choose an outfit to change their mood, rather than to reflect it. Other surveys have found high heels and a little black dress ranked among the top ten things women wear to feel more confident.
With all these creative and fashionable ways to improve your well-being, there is no reason to go another day “just dealing” with it. So grab some essential oils and your jewelry box and take back your power—and your health.