WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO GET DRESSED, EVEN WITH NO WHERE TO GO

Hi all, this is Olivia (@oliviaraye) reporting from day 17 of self-quarantine. Two weeks ago, I migrated upstate to be with my family before things got really bad down in the city. I brought a duffle bag packed with denim overalls, my skincare routine, two pairs of sweatpants, some undergarments, and a few of my favorite graphic tees. I figured I'd be home for a week--maybe--yet here we are, with no definitive sign of when I can return. I've been utilizing the sweatpants quite a bit, still having to raid my sister's and mother's wardrobes for comfy sweaters in the meantime. You know, as I write this, I realize that the first few days of living in a groufit were really the dream. It was impossible to feel uncomfortable, I never had to think too hard about what top and bottom went together, and, what might just be the best part: slippers. all. day. However, the days where comfort far surpassed any sense of style, soon came to a crashing end and I felt as if there weren't even a point to getting out of bed. This cycle became vicious and anxiety was kicking in very quickly. 

For no particular reason, there was a day last week when I decided I wanted to do a full face of makeup. In the order of foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush, highlighter, and then mascara, I gained a bit of myself back with each step. No, I'm not here to say that I wouldn't be myself without makeup, that's not the case at all. What revealed itself to me is the fact that getting ready in the morning is the most important part of my day. This is a time to be expressive and creative in order to propel the best image of myself to the outside world. But, for now, I am doing it for me, and that is a very powerful feeling.

By getting ready in the morning, I am taking the time to practice a bit of self-love. For some, that means hot yoga or a glass (or two) of red wine before bed. For me, that's looking at myself in the mirror and deciding that I am worthy enough to look and feel my best, based upon my own creative opinion. That feels good. Being aware of what I deserve is incredibly empowering. It's just the push I need to do whatever it is to keep myself occupied throughout the day, whether it be reading, writing, cleaning, or planning my next Sunday brunch outfit via Facetime with my roommate. 

Especially during a time like this, it is extra important to pay attention to your mental health and emotional well-being. It's the little things we do for ourselves that sometimes mean the most, and since we've got a bit of extra time, why not take some of that time to focus a bit more on ourselves. This way, when the day comes and we can finally face the outdoor world, we will be stronger than we were before, ready to take on whatever lay ahead for us. 

So, with all that, get ready. Even if that just means wearing your sneakers indoors or swiping on your favorite day moisturizer, go for it. Do for yourself what you know you deserve because, at the end of it all, if we aren't taking care of ourselves, who is?

xx

Olivia