the importance of enclothed cognition

In the thrum of our modern world we have become accustomed to different dress for different modes. At home, we slip out of our work clothes and into soft slippers and cozy clothes. Even the very act of taking a watch off your wrist can cause an immediate shift in relaxation.

Yet when it comes to our working life we turn to stiff shoes and polished collars in the belief it boosts our productivity. Recent studies are starting to change the game. More than one study has shown that primary school students who swapped shoes for slippers in the classroom became more engaged in learning.

Wearing slippers while working can have the same effect for many. When you kick off your shoes and slip into something more comfortable you feel less tense and under pressure, and thus you can relax and let the knowledge sink in or allow yourself to follow the tangents of creative thought patterns. Adults may feel less inclined to turn to slippers in the workplace, but for children -the cognitive results are truly illuminating.

From the Classroom…

In a young environment, there can be a raucous amount of energy, children love to stomp and run and shout. Yet the studies found that when shoes were replaced with slippers, the atmosphere became softer, the children calmer and more attentive- making for fewer disruptions. The research also found that bullying behavior was reduced as children leaned towards a gentler approach to each other. They were also more relaxed in their environment, willing to stretch out on the floor with a book and fall into quiet time with ease and pleasure.

To the Office…

In Sweden companies are also turning towards the same casual dress policy – especially as smart office wear is declining in favor of comfy cottons and softer footwear. It seems that taking a more barefoot approach to workwear or at least swapping for slippers leads to more mindfulness at work and reduces the impact of stress. The trend is spreading, not only from the classroom but the office space too; leave your shoes at the door and watch the world sink into a more relaxed state of learning.

To help you get into a relaxed state of mind, why not check out our slippers and lifestyle accessories.

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