As Mental Health Month (October) approaches and lockdowns continue for half the population, concerns about the long-term mental health effects of the pandemic have never been greater.
A new survey has revealed that two thirds of Aussies have been turning to more casual and comfortable clothing since the start of the pandemic, with soft, roomy and warm outfits making them feel less stressed or more psychologically safe. The proportion is highest for women and under-30s, at more than 70 per cent.
The findings were derived from a survey of an independent panel of 1050 Australian adults, commissioned by The Oodie, Australia’s highest-quality, warmest and longest-lasting hooded wearable blanket.
The Oodie found that 63 per cent of Aussies have reported dressing more casually and comfortably since the start of the pandemic. This is especially true for younger Aussies, with nearly three quarters (71 per cent) of 18–30-year-olds choosing comfortable clothing and leisurewear, compared with 56 per cent of over 50s. A higher proportion of women have also opted for comfortable clothing since the start of the pandemic, at 72 per cent, compared with 55 per cent of men.
The global Athleisure wear market is expected to boom to $351.4bn by 2026 – up from $212.2bn in 2018. When asked about the impact of soft, roomy and warm clothing on their mental wellbeing, 69 per cent of respondents revealed it made them feel less stressed and/or physically and psychologically safe.
A study following the 2020 lockdowns found that more than five million (26 per cent) of Aussies experienced anxiety, an additional 1.1 million Australians on the previous year. Widespread restrictions and lockdowns this year, combined with potential loss of employment, reduced social interactions and the stress of remote work or home schooling, have likely continued impacting the mental health of many Australians. It is therefore becoming increasingly important for Aussies to find ways to nurture their mental wellbeing during this challenging period.
Women and young Aussies, in particular, noticed a relationship between soft, comfortable clothing and improved mental wellbeing. Three quarters (76 per cent) of this group reported feeling less stressed or more physically and psychologically safe when wearing comfortable clothing, compared with 61 per cent of men, and 60 per cent of over-50s, suggesting that clothing can play a surprising role in improving mental health during the pandemic.
In fact, studies show mental health conditions have disproportionately affected younger Aussies throughout the pandemic, with nearly half reporting increased stress, anxiety or depression1 as they have been the most impacted by job and financial insecurity. COVID has also had a greater impact on the mental wellbeing of women, many of whom are more likely to take on most of the unpaid care and domestic responsibilities at home. The additional strain of balancing work with parenting and home-schooling during lockdowns has only exacerbated feelings of stress and anxiety, with a quarter (23 per cent) of women reporting high or very high levels of psychological distress, compared with 17 per cent of men.
Davie Fogarty, CEO and Founder of The Oodie, says: “It is interesting to see Aussies turn to comfort items as a source of stress relief during this time, particularly women and young people. I’ve seen demand for comfortable items, such as Oodies, increase significantly since the start of the pandemic and during lockdowns. For example, more than 20,000 Oodies were ordered by Victorians in July 2020 alone, at the beginning of their second lockdown and by the end of October this number had grown to around 85,000. In the first 8 weeks of the current lockdown, NSW residents purchased more than 100,000 Oodies.
“The fear and uncertainty surrounding lockdowns, financial security and infection risks across large parts of the country continue to be a source of considerable stress and anxiety for many. The effects of social isolation and border closures can mean that many are left without their usual networks of support, putting people at increasing risk of being affected by mental health problems. Awareness events such as Mental Health Month present excellent opportunities for Aussies to come together and reflect on their mental health and wellbeing. Having regular discussions around mental health helps remove stigma and can therefore make it easier for people to seek help whenever they need it.”
Tips to reduce stress and anxiety
Dr Andrew Thompson, a registered doctor at leading telehealth service InstantScripts, shares the following tips to help Aussies in lockdown reduce stress and anxiety:
- Get active. Lockdowns and restrictions can cause major disruptions to your usual routine, making it difficult to stay motivated. However, setting aside time to exercise can be hugely beneficial to both mental and physical wellbeing. Whether it is doing some yoga in your living room, a walk around the block, or some exercise in the garden, even in small bursts, exercise can release the endorphins needed to lower stress and anxiety and balance your mood while in isolation.
- Learn how to switch off. As lockdowns force many of us to bring the office into our homes, the lack of separation between the two can become particularly stressful. Work can often trickle into your usual leisure time, as the temptation to check emails in the evening or over the weekend can be difficult to resist. It is important to set yourself boundaries and ensure that you are giving yourself time to unwind in the evenings. Try to clock off at a reasonable time, get settled in your favourite PJs, trackies or Oodie, put the kettle on and relax with a book or TV program. It is also important to have a dedicated space in your home for conducting work, to produce a clearer separation between work and leisure.
- Rekindle a hobby to stay motivated. This time indoors can be an opportunity to return to the hobbies you took up during last year’s lockdown. Whether you turned to fitness, DIY, painting or sewing, spend some time on the fun activities you enjoyed last year and keep your mind active.
- Stay social. Lockdowns can be isolating, and while you won’t be able to physically interact with anyone outside your household, this isn’t the be all and end all to your social life. Socialise with family and friends over group Facetime or Zoom calls, have fun catching up over a game or meal, or host a virtual dance party. Your social circle and relatives can also be a vital support network to turn to during times of stress or anxiety. If you live by yourself, consider taking advantage of the singles bubble to get some much-needed face-time with a loved one or friend.
- Adopt a relaxing sleep routine and schedule. Many of us are working remotely, studying or dealing with a job loss during this period, and it can be easy to fall into irregular sleeping patterns. A lack of quality sleep is often directly correlated with increased feelings of stress and anxiety, leading to overall poorer mental wellbeing. It is important to establish a good sleep schedule, by sticking to consistent wake and sleep times and aiming to get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Doing a relaxing activity, such as yoga or reading, and reducing screen time before bed, can also help you settle into a routine and encourage better quality sleep.
- It’s okay not to be okay. The pandemic has thrown many of us into challenging situations we have never had to deal with before. Check in with yourself regularly. If you find that your feelings of stress and anxiety are impacting energy, concentration, and overall quality of life, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone for additional support. It is okay to admit when you are struggling and to ask for help from a friend, relative or medical professional. Services such as Lifeline (13 11 14) and BeyondBlue (1300 22 4436) also offer 24/7 counselling and support.
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