Immersing yourself in the right tones can do wonders for your wellbeing
Do you get more compliments wearing a certain shade, or feel happier walking in green spaces? Then colour is having a bigger effect on you than you realise. ‘Each colour creates a different physical and emotional response,’ says colour specialist Mark Wentworth (colourforlife. com). ‘As we’ve evolved as a species, so has our understanding of the intricacies of human behaviour.’ Here’s how to make the shades of the rainbow work for you.
Red
Known for being stimulating, invigorating and the colour of passion. In fact, when women wear red they are seen as more desirable, found a study*. ‘Not only does red increase energy levels if you’re feeling tired, it gets you noticed,’ says Karen Haller, author of The Little Book of Colour (£12.99, Penguin Life).
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✣ In the mood to stand out? Wear a scarlet top or, to feel powerful, apply bright red lipstick.
✣ Have dinner off red crockery and you will eat less. ‘Red on a plate seems to trigger an avoidance signal,’ says experimental psychology expert Dr Charles Spence. However, it can encourage eating for dementia sufferers.
Yellow
It seems that blondes really do have more fun. Women who dyed their hair blonde had increased levels of confidence, found a study by Nottingham Trent University and Clairol. It’s thought that a strong, bold hair colour is similar to what we had as children and this encourages youthfulness.
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✣ Yellow chrysanthemums are the perfect gift for someone facing a challenge, says floral designer Lara Sanjar.
✣ The sunshine hue could also be ideal if you’re studying or need to recall information. It’s thought that yellow is the perfect colour to highlight points that need to be remembered, and it stimulates mental activity. It can also boost confidence and productivity, and create a positive mindset for working, say experts at paint company Dulux. Try a yellow picture on the wall in a study area at home.
Pink
Pink (especially lighter pink) is associated with gentleness and affection – not just towards others, but towards yourself too. When a naval prison painted their cells pink as part of a test** to see how colours c
