dress the part

As annoying as workplace dress codes can be, psychology posits dressing the part can actually influence your behaviour. In a 2012 study, Professor Adam D. Galinsky asked participants to complete attention-related tasks while wearing a white coat described as a doctor’s coat for group one, and a painter’s coat for group two. The findings revealed group one had better sustained attention because the coat’s symbolic association with doctors’ attentiveness and the actual experience of wearing it, changed how the participants thought about themselves.¹ This is what’s known as enclothed cognition so... perhaps wearing a monk’s robe might make us happier? Okay, we don’t have to take it that far, but if you ever feel unmotivated, dressing the part might make the task more enjoyable. Working from home? Button up that crisp dress shirt. Going to the grocery store? Walk the aisles in your favourite outfit like you’re the main character.

change your

environment

Similarly, your environment also has the potential to bring you happiness. You might find placing sentimental photos on your desk, or turning on fairy lights in the evening, might make you feel content because it creates a cozy and homely atmosphere. For more information, you can watch Ingrid Fetell Lee’s talk about finding joy in the material world below.