Colors That Fight Work Stress

(tnp) -- Pablo Picasso once said that "colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions". Indeed, different hues have an impact on our moods and how we feel.

For instance, red is bright and bold, but it can also be overpowering, triggering stress and anxiety. In the same way, a more relaxing color like blue could help you feel calmer and more relaxed.

If you are feeling stressed at work, you can try incorporating any of these five colors into your work outfits.

BLUE

From pastels to deeper tones, blue is tranquil and calming.

Art philosopher Denis Dutton, in his book The Art Instinct (2009), noted that blue is a universal color liked by many due to its association with how peaceful the skies and seas look and feel.

That is why we think blue should be a go-to color in every achiever woman's work wardrobe.

GREEN

Symbolizing growth, nature and lush greenery, green can help boost your creativity and help you feel more relaxed at work.

Psychologist Stephanie Lichtenfeld and her team reported in their 2012 study Green Facilitates Creative Performance that this colorway can "open (mental) processing required to do well on creativity tasks".

Style tip: Complement this earthy shade with neutral tones, such as brown, beige and white.

PINK

Although pink is often associated with love and femininity, it can also invoke serenity and peace.

In his book, Drunk Tank Pink: And Other Unexpected Forces That Shape How We Think, Feel, And Behave (2013), US author Adam Alter writes that angry prisoners in a US navy detention center became calm after spending 15 minutes in a cell painted pink.

Style tip: Add some gravitas to this soft shade by opting for a suit.

WHITE

Think of white, and clean slates and new beginnings come to mind. It also represents quiet, tranquillity and peace. Wearing it can help you clear your mind and think more clearly at work.

Style tip: Think monochromatic when it comes to wearing white. Clean, sleek and sharp lines should be your office style inspiration.

YELLOW

Yellow is often associated with happiness, but it can go even deeper than that.

US color specialist Leatrice Eiseman told CNN that "sometimes people who are very metaphysical will see enlightenment" when they're staring at this cheery shade.

Bright, vibrant and optimistic, yellow stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural stress reliever.

Style tip: Go for contrast and pair yellow with black, white or grey to allow the colour to pop.

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