Science says that looking at colors can relax you. That's right, colors have an enormous impact on us, psychologically, emotionally and even physically. For instance, red shades tend to trigger your stress response, making you more anxious, while lighter shades calm you down.
If you are feeling overly stressed, you can use color as a stress management tool. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the most relaxing colors you should choose for a stress-free life.
1) BLUE
This color stands true to its appearance.
Peaceful, calm and gentle, blue has tremendous power to manage stress. It's a very soothing color that helps calm your mind, slow down your heart rate, lower your blood pressure and reduce anxiety. Blue is believed to have a cooling and astringent effect. When choosing the right shade of blue, it's best advised to go for a soft and neutral shade (eg bedroom wall) for a calming effect.
2) GREEN
Green is a restful and quiet color. Because it symbolizes nature, green is one of the most beautiful and comforting colors that attracts harmonious feelings that can diffuse anxiety and helps us stay calm and refreshed. Beige greens and pale yellow-greens are the most stress-reducing shades in the green family.
3) PINK
Pink is another color that promotes tranquility and peace. In fact, Feng Shui believes pink soothes various energies in a room and keep them understated. It's peacefulness promotes balance of your energies. Although pink is considered a feminine color, commonly seen in a baby girl’s nursery room, the right shade of pink can look beautiful in just about any room.
4) WHITE
White symbolizes clarity and freshness. It is the right color to be surrounded with in times of stress, to get clarity of your thoughts. A white painted room is considered to be the most ideal for a pregnant woman. But remember that white needs to be a clean, bright white but not too stark because if it looks dirty and dull, your emotions can mirror the same dullness.
5) VIOLET
Violet signifies strength, peace and wisdom. It has the capacity to bring balance and make you feel inner peace. Many consider decorating their space with violet to create a peaceful environment. Also violet is said to be good for bone growth, maintaining the potassium and sodium balance of the body. Studies even suggest that the power of meditation can be ten times greater under violet light. So now you know the secret to powerful meditation. In case you don't want to opt for all-violet look, try placing a violet flower in a visual place in the living room or use a violet-colored decoration item.
6) GREY
Many of us think of grey as a dull, boring and a bit depressing color. But the truth is grey has a very soothing and cooling presence. Grey, when paired with blue or white elements, can create a relaxing atmosphere.
7) YELLOW
There's something very positive about this color that makes you feel lively and energetic the moment you lay your eyes on it. So if you want to jump start your day on an energetic note, keep a significant 'yellow thing' in a prominent place at home. Or even better paint your kitchen yellow (in full or parts) because a recent research found out that people in the yellow room appeared be more active and conscious then people in other room.
FAQs
Bright, warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) stimulate energy and happiness while cool, subdued colors (blues, greens, purples) are soothing and calming. Bright, warm colors are best in rooms for entertaining like dining rooms or kitchens, while cool colors work best in relaxing spaces like bedrooms or even bathrooms.
What colors affect your mood? ›
Bright, warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) stimulate energy and happiness while cool, subdued colors (blues, greens, purples) are soothing and calming. Bright, warm colors are best in rooms for entertaining like dining rooms or kitchens, while cool colors work best in relaxing spaces like bedrooms or even bathrooms.
What Colours make you feel calm? ›
Green – Quiet and restful, green is a soothing color that can invite harmony and diffuse anxiety. Blue – A highly peaceful color, blue can be especially helpful for stress management because it can encourage a powerful sense of calm. Purple – In many cultures, shades of violet represent strength, wisdom and peace.
What color is best for mental health? ›
Studies have shown that blue and green can create a calming atmosphere; orange and yellow can stimulate appetite; red and pink can inspire passion and energy; while purple can boost creativity and productivity.
What color makes you sleepy? ›
Research studies discovered red to be the best color light to help you sleep, because it increases production of melatonin as well as full darkness.
What color makes you feel happy? ›
Red, orange and yellow are all warm colors and are generally thought to evoke feelings of happiness, optimism, energy and passion. Yellow-y sunshine might lift your mood, while red roses might get you in the mood. Warm colors also rev you up!
What colors cause stress? ›
According to color psychologists, the most stressful and anxiety-inducing color is 'red'. Red room ideas can be too intense for some people – could your red decor be one of the reasons why your friends hate your house?
What color attracts positive energy? ›
YELLOW: Optimism and Happiness
Yellow has been psychologically proven to boost energy, awareness, and even metabolism! It stimulates our creative process, which can help us get “unstuck” and make quick decisions. It's a seriously powerful color when it comes to colors that represent positive energy.
What color calms people the most? ›
According to a study, the secret to a calming room is navy blue—and there's science to prove it. The University of Sussex and British papermaker G.F. Smith did research that found navy blue is a calming color—in fact, the most relaxing color in the world.
What is the colour of peace? ›
Blue the Color of Peace
As a primary color (and the most popular color on the spectrum), blue is a building block for many other colors and shades, but in its purest form, blue represents peace and tranquility. That's because blue is synonymous with such things as the daytime sky on a calm day.
Red light. Red light is by far the best calming light color for sleep. Choosing a red light as a nightlight ensures that you don't disrupt your circadian rhythm. So switching to a red light a few hours before going to bed will surely help you fall asleep easier.
What Colour is mental disability? ›
Red - physical disabilities. Gold - neurodiversity. White - invisible disabilities and disabilities that haven't yet been diagnosed. Blue - emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental illness, anxiety, and depression.
What color makes you hungry? ›
Red has been found by researchers to be the most stimulating color for our appetites. According to research published in Frontiers in Psychology, this is rooted in the body's biological response to red, which is known to increase your heart rate and blood pressure.
What is the most calming colour for anxiety? ›
“Shades of blue or green are known to have a relaxing effect—perfect for creating a serene feeling at home,” says Nicole Gibbons, interior designer and founder of the paint company Clare. “Everyone has their own preference on relaxing colors, but soft, cooler colors seem to feel right for most,” adds Yeo.
What is the best color for relaxation and sleep? ›
Blue. In general, people tend to associate blue with calmness and relaxation, making it one of the best colors to paint your bedroom. The visible light spectrum ranges from shorter to longer wavelength light. People tend to prefer cool-toned colors that have a short wavelength, such as blue, for interior spaces.
What is the most pleasing color to the eye? ›
What color is pleasing to the eye? Blue and green are the colors that are most pleasing to the eye. These calming shades allow the eye to rest and are not overstimulating (unless used in neon hues), pleasing the eye and instantly relaxing our bodies and minds.
What is the color of peace? ›
White: White color itself is a symbol of peace and purity, humility, innocence and silence. It represents the heavenly, pious and sincere feelings. The white blossoms convey an elegance and modesty.
