Being the beauty conscious person that I am, I have always thought there’s something special about getting a manicure.
And, it is not just being able to walk out with polished nails and looking great under the light (which definitely is a plus part!).
Not many of us really appreciate how the physical world is a reflection of the deeper mental realm, and the practice of putting on nail polish ties into our mental health in ways we are not fully aware of.
Looking back at the small time I have taken to trim my nails I have been able to learn that this simple feat has a significant influence on our psychological state.
So let’s get into why manicures are not just a physical act of beautifying your fingernails.
I assure you it is not all about the polish!
Nail Care as Self-Care
I think most people are familiar with the importance of self-care, right?
Those little actions done to ensure that we are okay can significantly impact our mental state.
Nail care is one of the activities that have formed part of my self-care routine practices.
Why?
Because it is one of life’s few occasions that I can think of what I want without worrying about anyone else.
But whenever I do it – whether it’s me doing my nails in my bathroom or going to a salon, I feel this amazing sense of pause.
Looking at my nails, I am away from my phone, away from work, away from everything really.
It’s so peaceful I can’t explain why; It brings so much contentment to the heart.
And while the rest of the world may see it as a simple beauty ritual, to me, it is an act of self-care.
It’s saying, “I am worth this time that I am giving, and I deserve to feel good.”
The Science Behind Self-Care and Mental Health
When you’ve done something as small as getting a manicure, which is an act of possibly pampering yourself, the brain responds chemically.
This implies that once you set a few hours out of your busy schedule to learn about ways on how to take care of your body, mind and spirit, your brain is flooded with dopamine and serotonin – chemicals that prevent stress and anxiety.
It’s like getting a little shot of ‘good feeling’ which is nicely complimented with sparkling neat nails.
This is why I always advise people that nail care should be viewed more as therapy than anything else.
Not only are you nursing your nails, your mind gets such tender loving care and attention too.
It may be a small thing, but doing practical things are the foundation for the improvement of one’s mental health…
That’s what self-care is, in hindsight.
Manicures and Mindfulness: The Perfect Match
In my unvarnished experience, it is perhaps the strange newfound appreciation of just how ‘present’ one is when getting a manicure.
It is now that everyone struggles from a lack of time and they are always on the go concerning something.
I know I am!
However, when I manage to sit down, paying attention to my nails, I get as close to some sort of a meditation as I can possibly get.
Do you notice how when you are doing your nails you are really focused on each step?
Whether you are cutting your cuticles, polishing your nails or applying the perfect color on, it clearly means that you need to focus.
Stress from home or from work cannot get in the way, no more stressing over a due date at the office or ruminating over an embarrassing interaction the previous day.
You are on your own with the task on the table.
What the science of mindfulness has revealed is that it has almost magical impacts on wellbeing.
It helps mitigate stress, anxiety and possibly depression.
When we are mindful it means that we are not thinking about other things which can help to reduce stress because the conscious mind is filled with a constant loop.
And the best part?
Even if you are not going to spend several hours trying to attain that level of serenity.
Other times, it’s as simple as reapplying nail polish.
A Ritual of Control
Another benefit that I have noted with doing my nails is that it empowers me.
Often life surprises us and there are so many situations that are out of our control.
However when I sit down to paint my nails, I get to choose.
I create the color, the shape, the length.
Living in a world where uncertainty seems to be the only sure thing, having that, even the smallest amount of control over something is very reassuring.
I know I’m not alone in this.
That is why measures such as nail care are used by many people as an attempt to restore control in one’s life.
One of those easily doable activities that make the world not as messy as it actually seems.
And so it tends to alleviate anxiety.
In fact, whenever I begin to stress, all that I usually do is go for a nail treatment.
It may sound silly but it is a very effective method I assure you.
The Sensory Experience of a Manicure
One aspect that is normally not discussed is the textures that are associated with a manicure.
Think about it: you are on a chair, comfortably, your hands are being gently manicured and your cuticles are being properly taken care of.
To me it is perhaps one of the most relaxing feelings in the world.
This sensory element is possibly the biggest element involved for the therapeutic value of a manicure.
Simulations such as a handshake or even just a hand rub have been proved to trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone known to have a relaxing effect on the body.
So, when you are receiving a manicure, you are not only receiving beautifully painted nails – you are aiding your body to unwind on the physical, mental as well as emotional level.
Hand Massages and Stress Relief
I hope it’s clear that I’ve never left a nail appointment with nothing but an improved mood.
And it’s not only because now I have perfect nails, it is because of the hand massage!
Honestly, I don’t know why, but stimulating the muscles with pressure and movement has the most soothing effect on my stress.
There is always something magical in hand massage owing to the pressure points in our hands.
Some of these points pertain to various regions of our body, and touching them may aid in relieving tension all over our body parts.
This is why even if I do my nails at home I always ensure that I include a hand massage.
The Confidence Boost of Beautiful Nails
Alright, I am not going to deny the fact that leaving the nail salon with an immaculate set of nails somehow gives you that extra boost.
I understand that every woman knows that when we have our nails polished, it gives us more confidence and makes us feel empowered.
This is not something that I made up in my own thoughts – there is actually data to back it up.
It has also been proved that the appearances of people make them more confident in other aspects of life.
This is because the outer appearance of an individual dictates how they feel on the inside of them.
Therefore, if a manicure seems like a small procedure, it is possible to have a significant impact on the level of confidence and self-esteem.
Expressing Yourself Through Nail Art
There is another positive aspect of nail care – It is difficult to explain how confidence boosts up when you are able to paint what you want to.
Whether it’s the French manicure or the desire to have a new and fabulous nail design and color every time, the nails are an extension of personality.
Personal accessories have been my favorite since childhood nonetheless, what can be better than applying some color to the tips of my fingers and getting a possibility to demonstrate a few traits of my character?
It’s unexplainable, yet liberating to decide on a design that seems like the persona you have inside you.
And when you start to think that your true personality is expressed, you feel your very best.
Manicure Rituals: A Time to Bond and Connect
Another bonus that I have come to relish in nail care is the fun I get in interacting with other people.
Whether it be going to the nail salon to catch up with friends or having a girl’s night in complete with nail painting, nail care is a method for me to bond with my friends.
You don’t always need makeup, or a dress, or a fancy restaurant, just a glass of nail polish and a friend to talk to.
Many times it’s as basic as this and yet it can make such a strong statement as far as connection and intimacy is concerned.
Some of my most good and productive talks with friends have even been done in the course of painting our nails.
It’s an opportunity to make pauses, be together, and then depart being even more united than before.
Creating Your Own Nail Care Ritual
Nail care is the kind of grooming that is highly customizable; in fact, you can turn it into a proper ritual.
Be it a nail salon-kind of environment, or the relaxation of doing manicure in the comfort of your own home you can have a schedule that is most suitable for.
Every now and then when I want to be pampered I will go and get a manicure done but most often I will light some candles, put my favorite podcast on and do it myself at home.
The point is, to get it right, it is something that should be as unique as possible to you.
Perhaps you have your favorite songs playing in the background, or perhaps styling your nails with that particular orange color you have can inspire you to conquer the day.
Whatever it is, let your nails be a form of relaxation, an artistic break from the norm.
The Therapeutic Power of a Manicure
All in all we can confidently state that a manicure is much more than just a beauty treatment.
It’s a form of therapy.
It is a way of having a good health of your mind, as a stress buster, confidence builder and a way of relating to other people.
So the next time you prepare to deal with a busy day ahead of you, go get a manicure.
You will be surprised as to how this can be such a powerful force in positively affecting your mental health.
