
By now, most of us should be getting into the swing of wearing masks when out and about in public. If you've been staying sensible and abiding by the guidelines, you'll know that one drawback of wearing a mask it that it makes it much more difficult to convey your emotions without speaking.
To help us all out, Vistaprint – the unexpected maker of what we think is the best face mask around – has done some research to figure out some alternatives that don't rely on people being able to see your mouth.
The following advice come from body language expert Judi James, and isn't exactly what we were expecting. Here are Judi's top tips for communicating when wearing a mask:
1. Smile like a cat
Apparently, felines have it down when it comes to communicating with their eyes. “Cats use a ritual of eye narrowing and slow blinking to ‘smile’ at one another," says Judi. "Humans are more than capable of focusing on similar techniques with a bit of practice!" We think this sounds quite creepy, but these are, after all, unprecedented times. So perhaps we'll learn to love it.
- These are the best thermometers 2020
- Discover where to buy Lysol spray and Clorox wipes
2. Tilt your head
Want to show someone that you've noticed them or indicate that you're listening to what they're saying? Try tilting your head, suggests Judi."[This] it is a part of our normal transactions that can still make us look interested and even upbeat when we’re in a mask.”
3. Sustain eye-contact
Shy readers, it's time to get comfortable making sustained eye contact with strangers. “Looking down in a cut-off can signal you have no desire to communicate, and eye contact and nodding will register positive and active responses," says Judi.
If you're facially expressive – or perhaps think staring at someone while narrowing your eyes and blinking slowly, as in tip one, might be a bit much – you could try using your eyebrows instead. “Raising eyebrows makes us look engaged or excited to see someone and the small eye-brow shrug, where we raise and drop them quickly, will show engagement and even say ‘hello’.”
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
4. Gesticulate!
Done all you can with your face? Use your hands! “We need to use alternatives to handshakes and smiles, such as mimed rituals like the empty embrace to register excitement at meeting a friend, or the more exaggerated but low waving of the hands to signal rapport," suggests Judi. If a mimed hug makes you feel a little depressed, we think a thumbs up might do the trick.
The advice relates to a wider survey, in which Vistaprint asked a random sample of 2,000 UK respondents their feelings about wearing face masks. It found that over a third of Brits feel self-conscious when wearing a mask, and while 85% of the British public own a mask, only 18% always wear it when in public. Face masks aren't going anywhere any time soon, so it's time to get comfortable with face coverings. If you're looking for a mask you won't feel embarrassed in, head to our guide to where to buy the best face masks for some stylish options.
Face mask | £17 from Vistaprint / $18 at Vistaprint
Selling fast – We've ordered a couple of the Vistaprint masks and we think they're great. The designs are stylish, the cut fits around the face snugly, and the fabric is nice and comfortable – both the soft cotton lining and the adjustable elastic ear loops. The sewn-in wire nose bridge stops glasses from steaming up, and they're available in adults and kids' sizes, too.
Ruth is a lifestyle journalist specialising in sleep and wellbeing. She has tested more mattresses than her small flat can handle and will talk at length about them to anyone who shows even a passing interest, and has had to implement a one-in-one-out pillow policy for fear of getting smothered in the night. As well as following all the industry trends and advancements in the mattress and bedding world, she regularly speaks to certified experts to delve into the science behind a great night's sleep, and offer you advice to help you get there. She's currently Sleep Editor on Tom's Guide and TechRadar, and prior to that ran the Outdoors and Wellness channels on T3 (now covered by Matt Kollat and Beth Girdler-Maslen respectively).
-
I’m a smart home expert – here are 5 smart blinds I'd recommend for a better night’s sleep
From SmartWings to IKEA, here are the smart blinds worth knowing about
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
This smart sleep mask massages, plays music and eases facial tension
The Bob and Brad Eyeoasis 2 is a must-have for bad sleepers and screen users
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
This Panda London eye mask proves that the key to sleep is simplicity
Sleep masks: let’s go back to basics
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
I tried a sleep tracking app during my most sleep-challenged time of year – here's what I found out
Sleep Cycle can help improve your sleep routine, but could it make Christmas followed by a week of starring in a pantomime less exhausting?
By Jim McCauley Published
-
Waking up for work is tough in the winter – but smart tech can help you avoid that snooze button
How smart tech makes winter mornings run smoother
By T3.com Published
-
This smart sleep headband is designed by neuroscientists to help treat insomnia
Are headbands the new sleep technology trend?
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Hatch’s latest sunrise alarm clock finally has a phone-free design – and I’m obsessed
Hatch launches the Restore 3 wake-up light and it could drastically improve your mornings
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Withings’ smart mirror combines a smartwatch and scales into a full-length health scanner
Withings debuts new conceptual smart health mirror at CES 2025
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published