For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

You have just made a big mistake. How we dress can really affect our day. Amongst the array of daily responsibilities you have as a college student, worker, friend and partner, the last thing you want to do is dress up in the morning. Makeup and heels are likely last on your long list of priorities however, they can be essential weapons to fight off the zzz’s you’re craving and conquer your day.

Here are some reasons why making the effort to dress up is worth your time:

1. Comfort

Often the more comfortable we are, the sleepier we get. In soft, oversized clothes we desire sleep. It’s like being tired even after getting nine hours of rest. If you put yourself into a cozy environment, by default you feel relaxed. The same goes for clothes. Now, that doesn’t mean you’re tight skirts and Spanx are necessary as even beautiful clothes can be loose and practical. That groggy feeling you have can even be wiped away by a splash of makeup. Your winged liner and fake lashes aren’t daily essentials, but a touch of blush and swipe of mascara can brighten your eyes and enhance your focus.

2. Confidence

When you leave your home in sneakers, you walk, but when you leave in heels, you strut! Looking nice just makes you feel better. When you’re well put together, some of the day’s obstacles become less difficult. In wedges or thick healed booties, you are not only standing taller, but you can also stomp all over the problems and difficult people that come your way. (Not literally—heels don’t work in jail!) Obviously, heels aren’t practical for every environment, but that’s no excuse to be boring. Spicy flats and silly sandals can have the same bold and beautiful effect. When you look better, chances are you will feel better about yourself.

3. Surprises

My mom told me long ago, “You better look good; you never know who you’ll run into!” Life throws us an annoying amount of curve balls. On an otherwise routine day, you may run into an ex or “frenemy.” Your sweatshirt may leave you with regrets but a sexy sophisticated ensemble will leave the regrets with them! At work, your bosses may decide it's time for an unplanned office picture. Congratulations, your sweatpants will forever be featured in the office picture day all over your favorite social media sites! The curve ball options are endless, so isn’t it better to always be prepared?

4. Self Esteem

Admit it, compliments are nice. When someone admires your earrings or tells you that you’re beautiful, does it not brighten up your day? We make impressions on the people around us whether we realize it or not. We are identified visually—it’s human nature. Our style and self-presentation is a part of who we are. Make your outfit reflect your personality; think of it as an extension of yourself. Standing out rather than blending in will inevitably bring greater opportunities and successes to your life, it might even give you a leg up on that promotion at work. Sometimes that extra moment spent adding flair to your visual persona is worth it in the end.