Choosing your clothes is often a question of taste. However, the color you wear could also influence your mood. This is what researchers at the University of Sussex, England, suggest.
Their work, published in the journal Psychological Bulletin, show that blue is associated with a feeling of well-being. According to Psychologies, “exposing yourself to blue as much as possible would be good for your morale and would allow you to achieve greater happiness.” Indeed, this color could also promote “self-confidence” and help “reduce stress”.
Why blue could soothe stress
In this study, 25 participants were exposed to blue light for one hour. After this experience, they reported feeling more “calmed.”
The researchers were not directly interested in clothing. They studied the effects of blue light on the brain. However, the media believe that you can increase the presence of blue in your daily life thanks to decoration… or your wardrobe.
These results are similar to “dopamine dressing”. This trend involves choosing clothes that give energy or improve mood. According to the channel, some experiments show a performance increase of up to 25% and an improved reaction time of up to 12% under blue light.
What the study really shows about the color/mood link
Researchers don’t say that a simple blue T-shirt makes you happy. Their study focuses only on exposure to colored light.
After an hour in this light, participants simply reported a feeling of calm and a reduction in stress. The results therefore show an association between blue and well-being, without proving that clothing produces exactly the same effect.
This color also evokes calm, stability and reliability. This is also one of the reasons why it is very present in the professional world.
How to adopt blue every day
No need to redo your entire wardrobe. A blue sweater, shirt, t-shirt or scarf may be enough if you want to try this idea.
You can also choose a blue outfit before a stressful day, a job interview or an exam. The main goal is to wear a color in which you feel comfortable.
Psychologies finally reminds us that blue is not everything. Sleeping more than six hours a night and learning to delay certain pleasures are also among the habits associated with better well-being. Blue can therefore be a little help, but it does not replace a healthy lifestyle.