Best Way to Use Color to Relieve Stress

The colors that surround us and those that we wear can have a significant impact on the way we feel.

The colors around us have psychological and physical effects, and can influence our emotions, our stress levels, our blood pressure, and the way in which we perceive our environment. They can be used to help us feel more relaxed, increase our ability to focus, or feel more energetic.

As a rule, paler shades of a color will be more relaxing than darker shades when used for interiors. Dark shades can become oppressive and reduce the perceived amount of space in a room. Even in clothes, white and very pale shades are believed by many to be the most effective for relaxation.

Experiment wearing different colors, taking notice of how you feel when you are wearing each one. For a start, try imagining yourself wearing a bright red shirt on a bleak, overcast day. How does it make you feel? Now imagine yourself wearing the same bright red shirt in the worst heat and humidity. No doubt you’ve experienced contrasting reactions to each scenario — it is important to dress to suit your moods and energy levels.

Red is stimulating and increases the appetite — a good choice for a kitchen, but not for a room in which you would like to relax or sleep. Red has been shown to increase blood pressure. It can be helpful in lifting spirits.

Orange has similar qualities to red. It is stimulating, it increases the appetite, and can also help to create warmth.

Yellow is emotionally uplifting. It helps us concentrate and stimulates the mind, making it perfect when incorporated into an office or workroom, but not into a bedroom.

Green has soothing qualities, which make it suitable for most rooms. Wearing green can be calming on days when you feel stressed or anxious.

Blue is gentle and relaxing, and creates a feeling of space. Blue will give a room a calming atmosphere; it has the opposite effect to red and can be used to lower blood pressure. Pale blue is a wonderful choice for a bedroom.

Pale purple and lavenders create a peaceful, relaxing feeling. Darker shades of purple are also restful, but should be used in smaller amounts as they can become depressing. Because purple contains red, it can also add warmth to an area.

Used in excess black can be overpowering and depressing. Business people often wear black to promote an impression of power and control.

White creates a feeling of space and peace, but can give a room a cold, clinical feeling. Wearing white helps you to be relaxed and alert at the same time.