7 Beauty and Style Life Hacks for Mornings When Depression Makes It Hard to Get Out of Bed

If you live for flawless makeup and on-point outfits but also live with depression, it might be hard for you to balance your passion for fashion with your will to get up in the morning. Getting out of bed when depression is in full force can be rough, but there are still plenty of ways to show off your style while staying by your bedside. Here are seven style and beauty hacks for those days when your depression makes it hard to get out of bed.

1. Choose your outfit the night before.

If you have more energy later in the day, choose tomorrow’s outfit today. Sort through your clothes and put together an outfit that fits with your plans for the next day. Don’t forget to set out that perfect pair of shoes and any accessories you think will complement your outfit! If you’ve been struggling with intense depression recently, you can keep your outfit as simple as you want — but don’t forget to lay out anything you might possibly want to wear the night before. That way, you won’t be scrambling to find your favorite belt if you’re having a hard time getting up in the morning.

2. Keep beauty and hygiene products near your bed.

If it doesn’t have to be stored in the bathroom, why keep it there? Move your favorite makeup products, moisturizers, and lotions into your bedroom for easy access. It doesn’t need to happen all at once if you’re deep in a depressive episode, but gradually transitioning to storing your beauty and hygiene “must-haves” in your room can help you ease into your morning routine when walking to the bathroom feels like too much. Outfit your nightstand with a small mirror, and keep a few favorite makeup products within arm’s reach. If you have enough space, you can even keep your toothbrush, a cup of water, and a small glass on your nightstand so you can keep your “pearly whites” extra pearly white without the extra hassle!

3. Have a quick makeup routine handy for hard depression days.

You may love rocking a full face of makeup, but putting on any product can be hard when you’re deep in depression. If you want to do your makeup without a huge time and energy commitment, come up with a quick makeup routine. Ask yourself how long you think you could spend on your makeup when you’re struggling with depression, and when the struggle feels less intense, test out which products you can apply in that timeframe. A simple foundation, mascara, and eyeliner look will take up far less time than a full face — but it can still give you the “put-together” vibe you love!

4. Choose outfits that take less work to put on.

When you struggle to get out of bed in the morning, you may feel like there’s nothing worse than struggling into a pair of fitted pants or a blouse with complicated sleeves. Choosing outfits that show off your style but take less time to put on can help you conserve your energy when depression has you dragging. Pieces like dresses, jumpsuits, rompers, and overalls may be far easier to pop on than a button-down and some dressy jeans — but they’re just as cohesive. Once you know what your day brings, take inventory of the “easier” outfits you own, and choose a hassle-free fit that seamlessly fits into your day. You can still look stylish and comfortable without pushing yourself too far!

5. Opt for quick, depression-friendly hairstyles.

If you love doing your hair, but your depression definitely doesn’t, know some quick hairstyles that work for you on days when you don’t have a ton of energy. Leaving your hair natural can help ease your stress and still tie flawlessly into your #OOTD. If you don’t want to keep your hair down for the day, choose a style that doesn’t require too much of your time, and keep any hair accessories you need by your bed. Sectioning your ponytail in three and curling each section is an easy way to give your hair some body in just a few minutes. You can also opt for a quick braid, a five-minute half-up, half-down, or even a messy bun to complete your look. Living with depression doesn’t mean you can’t have fabulous hair!

6. Choose shoes that are easy to put on.

You may feel like there’s nothing worse than getting all ready for your day and then realizing you still have to strap up your heels or lace up your sneakers. Even “small” things — like tying shoes — can feel like an annoying hassle when you’re struggling with depression, but that doesn’t mean you have to make life harder for yourself! If you can, choose shoes that are easy to slip on — a cute, comfortable pair of sandals, some stylish zipper-less boots, or a fun pair of lace-free sneakers can tie together your outfit without draining your energy. If you have a disability or chronic illness that limits your shoe options, choose your widest or most adaptive pair of shoes so you can fit in any mobility aids you may need with as little effort as possible.

7. Ease into your morning before you dress up.

There’s no rule saying that you have to get dressed first thing in the morning if it feels like too much for you. If your depression is making putting on a shirt feel like climbing a mountain, do something relaxing that can help you adjust to the new day. Whether you like drawing, prefer journaling, or enjoy listening to your favorite music, choosing a low-intensity activity that really makes you tick can help you conquer getting dressed and ready. You can even tie your passion for fashion into your morning activity — sketch out some fashion designs or makeup looks, journal about your thoughts on your personal style, or choose music that makes you feel like you’re in a fashion show!

If you adore fashion, but your depression makes getting out of bed a struggle, there are plenty of ways to hack your hard days and still create on-point looks you’ll love. “Hacking” your beauty and style routines on your hardest days can give you the best of both worlds — quick, easy looks that still show off your impeccable style.