How to Stay Comfortable All Day Without Sacrificing Professionalism
Whether you’re seeking all-day comfort at work or in your everyday life, you can make your day a whole lot cozier without living in your pajamas. Research has shown that comfort reduces stress and positively influences mood, focus, and productivity, but comfortable clothing isn’t always presentable. Thankfully, there are ways to enhance comfort without drawing unwanted attention so you can still maintain a professional appearance when needed.
Here’s how it’s done.
1. Embrace the Comfort of Compression Socks and Comfortable Clothing
Sore feet and legs are a main source of discomfort, especially for people who sit or stand all day at work without much variation. In either case, a lack of regular movement can cause poor circulation and the result is tired and achy feet. When you wear compression socks, your legs and feet are supported by gentle pressure that encourages circulation and reduces swelling.
The perception that compression socks are just for old people and look frumpy isn’t true. With solid colors and various patterns, they look just like regular socks. You can even get them in various lengths, from knee-high to ankle.
Although traditional compression stockings and socks are known to be too tight for people with larger calves, non-binding compression socks are different. They provide gentle compression, but stretch to accommodate larger legs while maintaining total comfort.
Compression socks are also helpful for enhancing comfort during the muscle recovery process post-workout. Many athletes wear compression socks after they engage in their sport to reduce muscle soreness. Paired with other comfortable clothing, compression socks can help you stay comfortable throughout your day.
2. Wear Dress Sweats: Stylish and Comfortable Clothing for Every Occasion
Sweatpants are one of the most comfortable items of clothing on the planet, but you can’t exactly live in your sweats and expect to be taken seriously. With the exception of trips to Walmart where anything goes, you’ll need to dress up your sweats to wear them regularly.
Many companies sell dressy sweats for men and women, including Bonobos, Macy’s, Land’s End, and even Nordstrom. They’re easy to get online from trusted brands and some actually look like they could pass as real dress pants. These stylish options prove that comfortable clothing can also be professional and polished.
3. Boost Your Energy Levels While Wearing Comfortable Clothing
Your morning coffee might taste good, but it’s not really doing much for your daily energy levels. In fact, it might be causing that afternoon crash you seem to experience on a regular basis. Instead of relying on coffee to get you through the day, start boosting your energy naturally. High energy levels tend to increase feelings of comfort because you’re not constantly fighting fatigue and achy muscles.
Having energy will increase your level of comfort, whether you’re at home, work, or with friends. Wearing comfortable clothing can also enhance this feeling, allowing you to move freely and stay relaxed throughout the day. To get this precious energy, try these proven strategies:
- Prioritize sleep. Poor sleep is a fast way to tank your energy and mood. Go to bed before you’re exhausted and unwind for a bit. Try to get 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night while following a consistent bedtime.
- Hydrate. Even mild dehydration can make you feel sluggish. Start your day with a glass of water and take a refillable water bottle with you wherever you go.
- Reduce blue light exposure. The blue light that is emitted from electronic device screens disrupts your body’s circadian rhythm and prevents the release of melatonin, which is required for sleep. Exposure to blue light too close to bedtime can make it hard to fall asleep and/or stay asleep. It’s recommended to turn off your devices at least two hours before bed time.
- Move your body. Moving your body during the day, even just by taking short walks, can significantly improve your energy levels. You don’t need to do a full, intense workout if that’s not your cup of tea.
- Eat good food. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and skip the sugar as much as possible. Oats, sweet potatoes, lean meat proteins, bananas, almonds, and hummus are examples of foods that will give you energy and keep you full.
- Get natural sunlight. We are meant to absorb sunlight, so make sure you get the sun’s energy. Mitochondria depend on sunlight to function properly, and if your mitochondria are struggling, you’ll have low energy.
4. Make your office more comfortable
Sometimes ergonomic furniture can make all the difference, but using a recliner for work isn’t practical. Check in with yourself regarding how your chair and desk make you feel. If it’s not ideal, find some ergonomic furniture that feels good. Pairing this with comfortable clothing can further improve your overall comfort and productivity throughout the workday. If you work in an office and your boss won’t pay for an upgrade, it’s worth spending your own money to enhance your comfort.
Daily comfort without getting weird looks is achievable
You don’t need to walk around in your pajamas to be comfortable. If you want comfort without getting stared at, you just need some nice clothes designed for comfort, some good food, uninterrupted sleep, and possibly an office upgrade.
