The Surprising Link Between Cosplay and Mental Health
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Photo by Kashawn Hernandez on Unsplash
Hey you! 👋 Have you ever thought about the mental health benefits of your crafty hobby? 🤔 Because let me tell you, there's more to cosplaying than just looking super cool. 😎 It has been known to have positive effects on mental health, allowing individuals to develop new coping strategies and increase their self-confidence. 💪
At first glance, it might seem like cosplay is just about having fun, but there's actually a lot of positive benefits that come from participating in this activity. In this blog post, we'll explore 5 links between cosplay and mental health. Whether you're already a cosplayer or simply exploring it as a new hobby, read on to learn more about how cosplay may improve your wellbeing! 💻📚🤓👗🎭
1. Enhancing confidence
Photo by Bryan Turner on Unsplash
First off, let's talk about the confidence boost that comes with crafting your own costume. When you create a cosplay costume, you're essentially bringing a fictional character to life, and that requires confidence in your own abilities and creativity. 🎭💪
Plus when you finish a project that adds up to dozens and dozens of hours, you can feel as if you can accomplish anything that you set your mind too! Then as you strut your stuff dressed as your favorite character, you can't help but feel like a total badass. 💃💥 And that confidence? It spills over to other areas of your life, making you feel like you can conquer anything. It can translate into real-life situations, such as public speaking or job interviews, where confidence is key. 🎤
I know for me, I love that sense of accomplishment and confidence when I've completed a cosplay costume. I feel so proud and like I can achieve anything I set my mind to. And seeing the smiles on other people's faces knowing you put your heart and soul into it? That's an unbeatable feeling! 😊🙌
2. Practicing mindfulness & reducing stress
Photo by Jasmin Schreiber on Unsplash
But wait, there's more! Cosplay is also a stress buster. I mean, sure, crafting your costume can be frustrating at times (have you ever forgotten to add a seam allowance and didn't notice until AFTER it's been cut and sewn? 😖), but once you see your masterpiece come to life, that stress just melts away.
Also, crafting in cosplay requires soooooo much focus and attention to detail, which can allow you to enter a state of mindfulness and flow. 🧘♀️ Mindfulness is a technique used to reduce stress and anxiety by focusing on the present moment and being fully aware. Crafting can help to calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Plus, it's way more fun than any mindfulness meditation exercise, wouldn't you agree? 😉
In fact, cosplay is something I intentionally re-introduced into my life because I felt stressed being at work on the computer all day, and needed a hobby that got me away from the screen, and into my body, working with my hands. Having something that I can be 100% immersed in and focus on just for me, is incredibly grounding. 🙏💻🧵
3. Creating a sense of community
Photo by @vanghostcosplay - Cosplayers: @johnwangofficial, @queenamydalacosplay, @grayson_ruins, @funny.mina, Barret: unknown
Let's not forget the social aspect of cosplay. 👥 Socializing can provide a sense of belonging and support that can be beneficial for mental health. And belonging is a core need for every human being. 💖
Going to conventions or joining online communities filled with fellow cosplayers gives you a chance to bond over your shared love of all things geeky. 🤓🎉 It's like finding your own secret society filled with people who understand you and your fandoms on a deep level. Joining groups or online forums can connect you with other cosplay enthusiasts from around the world. 🌎
This has been particularly healing for me because I was bullied growing up and didn't know anyone else in my small town that shared my interests. Having a community of people who don't judge and are passionate about the same things I am has been incredibly comforting. 💕 Sharing your passions and ideas with a supportive community can bring immense joy and fulfillment to your life. 😊
Plus I consider myself superrrrrrr introverted. But when you’re at an event, it’s easy to break the ice because fans of your costume will come spark a conversation! It’s a fool proof way to know you have something in common to talk about.
4. Escaping reality
Photo by @carlosft.photo
On the flip side, cosplay can also be used to escape from reality, which for some people can be a healthy coping mechanism. ✨ When everything in life is feeling too overwhelming, you can turn to your craft and create a world where anything is possible. It's like stepping into another dimension for a few hours with characters that don't exist in real life, which allows you to take a break from your everyday problems and worries. 🌟
I think this is a great way to keep your mental health in check without having to turn to unhealthy habits like drugs or alcohol. It can a creative outlet that helps you express yourself and a break from any negative emotions may be feeling. 🎨
I know I personally have had to take a step back from my life at times and use cosplay as an escape. Working on costumes helps me to refocus my energy, clear my head and come back with a fresh perspective. It fills me up with joy, so I have more energy to deal with other challenges. 🎉 Whether you're struggling with your mental health or just looking for a fun way to express yourself, give cosplay a try. You never know the positive impact it might have on your life! 💪
5. Expressing creativity
Photo by Artem Maltsev on Unsplash
Finally, we cannot overlook the creativity factor. Crafting a cosplay costume allows you to let your imagination run wild and can involve creating costumes, props, and accessories from scratch. 🔨🎨 You can take an ordinary object and turn it into something extraordinary. You're basically a wizard, Harry (or Hermoine or Ron or whoever tickles your fancy). ⚡ When you create something entirely from your own imagination, it gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride that can boost your mood and make you feel more content. 😊
The therapeutic benefits of art have long been studied; art can improve mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and help you feel more connected to yourself. 🧘♀️ And cosplay is an art form through and through. It involves crafting, foam-smithing, painting, sewing, performing, makeup, styling, photography, and so much more. It can be a creative outlet for your inner artist and is something that can bring you immense joy in the process. 🤓👨🎨
For me personally, it keeps me young. It makes me feel connected to my inner child. 🧒 It allows me to express myself, explore my imagination and create something beautiful. ✨
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." - Pablo Picasso
Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or a newbie wanting to try something new, there's always something to learn and create. So go out there, create something amazing, and share your talents with the world! 🌎
To wrap it up in a sweet lil bow 🎀...
Cosplay is much more than just a hobby. It's a way for us to connect with our favorite characters and stories, create a sense of community, escape reality and express our creativity. 🎭👥✨
I hope this has provided some insight into how cosplay can be a useful tool for self-care and mental health. I think if we all make room for something like cosplay, whether it's in our lives or the lives of those around us, then we will have a better chance of living healthier and happier lives. 🌟
It has been an incredibly healing experience for me personally, as I've found ways to use cosplay to work through my own issues. Whether it's feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or lacking in creativity, cosplay helps me to manage my mental health and fills me up with joy. 💖
So don't be scared to embrace your inner geek and get crafting! 🤓 You never know what amazing things you may create in your INNER and outer world. Happy cosplaying everyone! 🎉
With love,
Amy Dala, Queen of Geeklandia 👑.
PS. What’s been your experience with cosplay and mental health? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below.
Additional Resources on Cosplay and Mental Health:
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