When you show up in the world feeling confident and cared for, you’re better equipped to care for others.
By: Unathi Shologu-Molebatsi
In our fast-paced world, taking time for personal grooming often feels indulgent or superficial.
Many of us rush through our morning routines, prioritising everything and everyone else before ourselves. But what if taking care of your appearance isn’t vanity — what if it’s actually essential for your mental health?
The morning ritual of getting ready isn’t just about looking presentable for the world. It’s a daily act of self-respect that signals to your brain: I matter. I’m worth the effort. Whether it’s applying lotion to dry skin, styling your hair, or choosing clothes that make you feel confident, these small acts create a psychological foundation for the day ahead.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND SELF-CARE
Research published in peer-reviewed journals confirms this connection. A study published in PubMed found that “the attitudinal component of body image is malleable and can be influenced by everyday grooming routines, suggesting such behaviours have psychological benefits for both genders, beyond their basic hygiene function.” Mental health professionals consistently observe that depression often manifests first in grooming habits like skipping showers, wearing the same clothes for days, or avoiding mirrors entirely.
This connection between appearance and mental health is particularly relevant in South Africa, where recent 2024 data shows that depression affects over 27% of South Africans, according to the Employee Assistance Professionals Association of South Africa. Meanwhile, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group reports that 1 in 3 South Africans will experience a mental illness at some point in their lifetime. The ongoing economic pressures and social challenges continue to take their toll on our collective mental wellbeing.
But this isn’t about conforming to popular beauty standards or keeping up with social media influencers. It’s about the fundamental human need to feel dignified and worthy of care – starting with caring for yourself.
EVERYDAY DIGNITY
Consider a gogo who still plaits her hair every Sunday despite arthritis in her fingers, or the taxi driver who polishes his shoes each morning before work. These aren’t acts of vanity, they are declarations that circumstances don’t define worth.
For many South Africans facing economic pressures – where 49% of citizens surveyed were interested in receiving counselling services but could not afford to do so – self-care might seem like a luxury. But it doesn’t require expensive products or designer clothes. It’s about working with what you have: keeping your nails clean, moisturising with affordable products, wearing clothes that fit well even if they’re second hand.
WHY IT WORKS
The science backs this up. Research suggests that engaging in grooming activities can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and enhance overall mood. When we take care of our appearance, we send signals to our brains that we value ourselves, fostering a positive self-image and improving mental well-being. Studies demonstrate that everyday grooming routines have psychological benefits for both genders, beyond their basic hygiene function.
The key is consistency and intention. When you wake up and immediately reach for your phone instead of attending to yourself, you’re sending a message about priorities. When you skip washing your face, you’re treating yourself as an afterthought.
BUILDING A ROUTINE
Building a simple routine, even just five minutes of intentional grooming, creates structure. It’s a daily practice of choosing yourself, which translates into better decision-making, stronger boundaries, and improved relationships.
Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s strategic. When you show up in the world feeling confident and cared for, you’re better equipped to care for others. You model self-respect for your children, you bring positive energy to your workplace, and you contribute to your community from a place of strength rather than depletion.
If you need additional mental health support, organisations like the South African Depression and Anxiety Group and LifeLine South Africa offer free counselling services. Remember, taking care of your appearance is just one piece of the mental health puzzle, but it’s an accessible starting point for everyone