Our Guest Geek post today is by the author of Health Her Way and covers two topics I often write about separately- cosplay and anxiety, and how one can actually help with the other. As someone with a lot of experience in both areas, I’ll be popping up and adding some of my own thoughts throughout the post. And while the post is aimed at moms, the theory can be applied to anyone, not just parents.

How Dressing Up Can Help Manage Anxiety

Wouldn’t you say being a mom is a superhuman feat in and of itself? But even the most super heroic among us can struggle with anxiety. The never-ending cycle of meal prepping, pottying, and cleaning, to the never-ending cries of “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!” It can be tough to find a moment of peace. 

Add in the demands of work, relationships, and household, and it’s no wonder why so many mothers experience anxiety. It can feel like we’re swinging from web to web just trying to keep up. But what if there was a way to harness your inner superhero’s power and combat anxiety simultaneously? 

Enter cosplay. It helps us save the day (and our mental health). 

The Science of Dressing Up

Cosplay is more complex than playing dress-up. There’s actually nerdy science behind why it can be so effective for managing anxiety. When we put on a costume, we tap into a psychological phenomenon known as “enclothed cognition.” Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky coined this term. It states that the clothes we wear not only affect how others perceive us, but also how we perceive ourselves. 

Put simply, dressing up in costumes can make you feel super confident and happy! It makes you feel good about yourself, which helps your stress go away and makes your brain release happy chemicals. That’s why Spider-Man puts on his suit, right?

Editor’s Note – I recommend checking out an interesting Ted Talk by Amy Cuddy on Power Poses, and how standing like Wonder Woman can help you feel more confident. This taps into the anxiety management angle, because when you dress as a character, you adopt their powerful superhero poses.

How Cosplay Can Help Moms Manage Anxiety

As a mom, it’s easy to get caught up in caring for your little ones and paying the bills. But you need to take care of yourself too. With cosplay, you can escape to a different world and take a much-needed break from reality. Cosplay allows you to immerse yourself in a different persona and experience a different reality, even if just for a few hours. This can provide a much-needed mental break. Allowing you to recharge your batteries and tackle the challenges of motherhood with renewed energy.

Cosplay also allows you to tap into your inner child and rediscover the joys of play. When you’re a mom, you sometimes don’t even know you’re putting your own needs last. But cosplay allows you to focus on yourself and have a little fun. You can experience the same joy and excitement you did when you were a kid. And the best part? You can even share the experience with your little ones.

So, how can you get started with cosplay?

Tips for Incorporating Cosplay into Your Anxiety Management

Research to find a costume and character that you’d like to be. There are no limits to what you can be. So, whether you’re a fan of superheroes, sci-fi, or fantasy, do a little research to find a costume and character that you’re a fan of.

Join a cosplay community to connect with other like-minded individuals. Find support and encouragement here on Geek Mamas. There are opportunities all over social media, local conventions, and meetups to connect with other cosplayers. These communities help you to feel less alone in your cosplay journey. You might even make some other new friends along the way!

Set aside dedicated time for cosplay. Just like with anything else, you have to make time. It can be as often or as little as you want to spend on it. The idea is to take time to focus on yourself and have a little fun. 

Share the experience with your children. If you have young children, consider involving them in your cosplay adventures. Whether you dress up as a team or simply share your costumes with them, it can be a fun and bonding experience.

Editor’s Note – Sometimes as a busy mom (or busy anybody) just trying to find the time to cosplay can cause anxiety. From trying to put together a costume, to actually putting everything on and doing hair and makeup- it can be exhausting. Cosplay should be fun, not forced. When my son was a baby and toddler, I rarely cosplayed because the last thing I wanted to do with my minimal free time was dress up. I just wanted to sleep. I only started getting back into it after he turned five and I actually had some time of my own to work with.

Final Thoughts on Cosplay for Managing Anxiety

So, there you have it. Cosplay is a fun and creative way to manage anxiety for geeky moms. Even the most super heroic moms need a break sometimes. Whether you’re a fan of Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, or any other superhero, the healing powers of dressing up are real. So, what are you waiting for? Get your costume on and web-sling your way to a little bit of stress relief.

About the Author

This post is by the author of HealthHerWay.com , and is a mother to a toddler who loves everything Spider-Man. Join the email list on her site for a free energy-boosting course, exercise guide, or daily stories with more healthy tips to help you feel good.