Think Well
Article

Could choosing colours carefully boost your mood? Redecorating may seem inconvenient, but it could be a great way to boost your mood and become more productive in everyday tasks.

Granted, the actual act of picking up a paintbrush or roller and performing hard labour may not make you feel like jumping for joy, but the finished result could - as long as you've chosen the right colour.

It has been known since ancient times that colour has the ability to make an impact upon our wellbeing, but colour therapy is becoming increasingly popular nowadays as we seek to use our rooms for a variety of different purposes.

Some people may be working at home full-time, whilst others could be desperate for a relaxing space they can retreat to at the end of the day.

FreshHome.com points out that the reason you will react to different colours in different ways is down to the subconscious - the brain interprets shades based on their wavelength and the body then responds.

So, you can capitalise on this to create the spaceand the mood you need using coloured paints or wallpaper and accessories.

Red will increase your energy levels and could stimulate conversation, whilst blue will bring down blood pressure and aid relaxation.

Green is also restful and creative - perhaps this is the shade you need for a productive home office - whilst yellow could stimulate feelings of joy and energy.

Stephanie Pelland, marketing communications manager for Sico Paints, has said that it is well worth giving colour therapy a try.

"Pick a room, any room - whether it's a regularly used space like a kitchen or family room, or a lesser-used area like an attic - and paint one wall, or two, or four. You'll find that the room isn't the only thing that will change; so will your outlook," she insisted.

It could also be beneficial if you're one of the 17 per cent of Brits who, according to the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association, suffer from the winter blues between September and April every year.

Swap your usual decor for greens to feel closer to nature, browns for comfort and yellows to simulate the feeling of a summer day if you often feel tired and sluggish in autumn and winter.

Layer your rooms with the essence of comfort and security during the cooler months and be prepared to peel back the layers come spring.

Clearly it could be time to forget following trends when it comes to decorating your home and instead fill it with shades that bring out the best in your mood.