I have always worried about my sense of imagination fading along with my youth. Luckily, I have found a fun outlet that satisfies my inner child. Being a cosplayer has kept my confidence level high and my stress level low. Here are some reasons why I love cosplay:

The Sweetest Medicine for the Soul

Even though it seems like child’s play, cosplay is one of the least tense and expensive ways to relieve stress. Cosplay helps many cope with anxiety, depression, and other types of disorders. It provides you with natural adrenaline to break away and recharge. Slipping into a character’s mind and capturing their persona has helped me understand my problems from a whole new perspective.

For example, I have been struggling with my self-confidence as a woman and a creator. I am guilty of putting too much pressure on myself and stressing over what others think. I talked myself out of writing certain stories and such. I went to the FanExpo comic con in New Orleans a couple of weeks ago. I went as Harley Quinn, and I wore one of her iconic looks from Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).

All the self-doubt disappeared the minute I looked in the mirror. I saw nothing but a kickass female who doesn’t care one bit about what others think of her. I also gained even more confidence after getting praise from other cosplayers and HQ fans. I am fairly new to the whole cosplay ordeal, and I felt a little nervous doing something too typical. It felt amazing having others appreciate my creativity.

A Thrilling Boost of Creativity

The spectrum of cosplay spreads out so far that anyone can enjoy it. One can be whoever they want to be. It’s a place where gender bent bends and all unique ideas are accepted. You can spend hundreds of hours and a lot of money to create the perfect version of your favorite character, or you use whatever you have in your closet.

You can easily become an apocalyptic warrior from The Walking Dead by just splashing some fake blood and dirt on an old ragged tee and hooking a fake weapon on your hip. Things like patches, fabric makers, and hot glue are always handy. I used an old pair of jean shorts for my HQ look. Designing with glitter fabric markers was so much fun that I did another pair with Loki sayings.

 A Fun Way to Meet Fun People

Conventions are a great place to meet new friends and talk about all things nerdy. Whether you know the gritty details of the Batmobile or you just love watching anime, you can find somebody to connect with. For example, my pageant sister and her fiance fell in love after connecting over cosplay and comics. 

If you’ve ever seen cosplayers together, you immediately know they’re having a great time. Your significant other or family members, or friends might want to join the fun after seeing how much fun you have had. My dad and brother might dress up with me next time. I already have a few awesome ideas. When you coordinate a group to do these sorts of things, it creates an amazing bond between others.

So next time you are feeling blue, you know what you do. Cosplay keeps the stress away!

Photo courtesy by Brooke Smith