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Music, exercise, sex and even food can have beneficial effects on the brain, as many studies have shown. But, although it has not yet been scientifically proven, fashion could also have an effect on the neurotransmitter called dopamine that’s often referred to as the happiness or feel-good hormone.
Basically, an outfit with bright colours could improve morale, give a boost to people lacking energy, or simply put the average person in a good mood. Originating during the pandemic – a time characterised by prevailing gloom – this trend, known as “dopamine dressing”, could help you see the sunnier side of life more easily.
Researchers at France’s National Center for Scientific Research have described dopamine as a chemical substance used as a neurotransmitter that produces a state of satisfaction. While a lack of dopamine can lead to a drop in motivation, mood swings or significant fatigue, it is possible to naturally boost its production through diet and exercise, exposure to sunlight, or enjoying certain activities like listening to music or simply petting your pet.
But chromatherapy – or colour therapy – could also promote happiness. And this can potentially be achieved through fashion, through the colours and prints that you choose to wear each day.
The principle of dopamine dressing is simple to apply in everyday life: it simply involves mixing and matching colourful, bright and vibrant clothes. Think pink, yellow, orange, red, blue, green and, if possible, neon or fluorescent shades – colour blocking in all its glory.
No matter what combinations you choose – and feel free to go wild – the idea is to shun dull hues like black, grey or brown, which are much less fun and exciting. It is also possible to pick all kinds of colourful prints, to add even more vibrancy and energy to your outfit of the day, which in turn can boost morale.
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While no scientific study has established a link between clothing choices and our mood, researchers have found a relationship between the colour blue and happiness. A study conducted by scientists at the University of Sussex reveals that blue could, in fact, stimulate the happiness hormone, reduce stress, and even improve self-confidence.
Blue is reportedly a perfect pick-me-up for both men and women, in addition to purple and orange. Time for a wardrobe overhaul, perhaps?
Makeup glow up
Social media users have been quick to extend the concept of dopamine dressing to makeup, leading to the advent of “dopamine beauty”. As you might predict, the concept is all about using colourful makeup to stimulate the production of dopamine.
This could involve using eyeshadow in bold hues, for example, adding a touch of colourful eyeliner, or using a bright blush or vibrant lipstick shade. Without going overboard, this kind of beauty look could boost your energy and lift your mood to help you face each new day.
While, again, scientists are yet to prove this hypothesis, social network users seem to have adopted the idea wholeheartedly. On TikTok, the #dopaminebeauty hashtag already has several hundreds of thousands of views, while the #dopamine hashtag has more than 500 million, reflecting the interest people have in stimulating this happy hormone.
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