Whenever we take time out to simply wander through nature's green wonderland or gaze up at a clear blue sky, we instantly feel invigorated, at peace...at one. No wonder psychologists recommend a walk in the park for relieving stress and tension. Have you ever wondered why GP's wear a white coat or why doctor's waiting rooms are often painted green? Even guests on television shows are asked to wait in the 'Green Room'. But what significance do colours have on our moods?

Without knowing it, colours act as an invisible mood changer which can influence the way that we feel both physically and mentally. The ancient Egyptians and Native Americans placed great faith in colours and their ability to heal. We all have a unique emotional connection with colours and this new form of therapy is a great way to learn both the positive and negative associations which are connected with colour. When our moods are altered we can attract good things into our environment or make the working day go from bad to worse. Read on to discover how you can paint your office world with colours that lift the spirit and feel the heart with joy...

Seeing red...Yes the colour which is charged with danger and passion. This is the colour of dominance, power and determination. Take a look at some of the world's great political leaders who often don a red tie. A red tie complementing a black suit certainly creates a look of assertiveness and level-headedness. The perfect colour if you need to make a presentation or have been asked to do some public speaking. For the ladies, a red business suit, is the ultimate power dress and is sure to make people sit up and listen. Place some red desktop files on your table along with some red paperclips, rubber bands and letter trays and watch how your colleagues and boss treat you with renewed enthusiasm and interest. Red will also provide you with the confidence to go after that dream promotion.

The green green grass of home....Green is the art of God, a colour so beautiful and calming which emanates quite the reverse of red. Succumb to the peacefulness of nature with a colour that is soothing to the eye and promotes natural healing, it also gives cheer and strength when needed. Many moons ago, the colour green was used for wedding gowns as it represents fertility. If the boss just isn't too keen on having heaven under his feet as well as over his head, find yourself a green screensaver...a beautiful green landscape will do wonders for calming the mind and provides reassurance. Green leafy plants, a green mug...even green pens and pencils will help to keep you balanced throughout the day.

Double yellow lines...Who can resist the attention grabbing light of yellow, which sharpens the senses and improves concentration. Yellow is an uplifting shade and a mood enhancer. A sharp burst of this lemony hue first thing in the morning can wipe away all sleepiness allowing you to start the day bright eyed and bushy tailed. Think of springtime daffodils and everything in the garden will feel rosy...If you want your boss to read that presentation that you have been working on for weeks, cover it in a yellow folder and he will be drawn to it. If you are lacking inspiration...colour your world with yellow and watch those new ideas start to flood in. A yellow stapler, post-it notes, files or a cut out smiley face are a great way to lift spirits and put some va vav voom into every day.

Something blue...A popular colour with both men and women which produces chemicals in our bodies that help us stay calm. Blue creates an aire of importance and is the power uniform of police officers. Most professionals wear blue as it is connected to loyalty, unity and trust. Wearing a blue shirt or blouse to an interview will keep the blood pressure lowered and thus allow you to think calmly in a composed manner. Your interviewer will view you as someone who is consistent, balanced and focused. You will often see gym rooms painted in blue as they allow members to work hard but remain cool, calm and collected on the inside.

Back to black...An authorative and powerful shade invoking strong emotions. Musicians in an orchestra will wear black to convey the strength of emotions contained within the music. It is also the colour associated with sophistication and is often found on limousines, tuxedos, the attire of priests and judges robes. Black trimmings around the office will create a feeling of formality. Place some black gemstones on your desk to emphasise resilience and self-control. When you want to avoid that pile of paperwork waiting for you in accounts, black can also create an aire of invisibility!

Nights in white satin...The contrast to black, white is a colour or purity, neutrality and cleanliness, hence the reason why it is worn by brides and doctors. Scientists wear it to represent the hope of finding cures for illness. A white picket fence is often found surrounding American homes as an emblem of safety. This colour will provide you with mental clarity encourage you to keep your workspace clear and free of obstacles and purify your thoughts towards those work colleagues who make it their sole aim to make every working hour an endurance test. White is the sum total of all the colours of the universe blended as one in perfect balance. A white office can create an illusion of space but it can also create a feeling of emptiness. Workers in a completely white office are less productive than those who have warmed it with smatterings of colour. Decorate office photo's with white frames or display flowers in white vases to enhance your mood and productivity.

Tangerine Dream...This colour is a mix up of fiery red and 'hard on the eyes' yellow so it is bound to have some sparks of passion entangled within it. Orange represents a strong love or hate of something...it is also a very flamboyant and fun colour which stimulates activity and encourages socialization. Find an orange mouse mat with a picture of a beautiful sunset and wait for that invitation to arrive from the office manager for drinks! This colour of energy, vitality and enthusiasm represents the ideal image of how a perfect office team should feel every single day so fill your walls with paintings that are rich in orange and have an instant burst of positive energy surrounding your personal space whenever you need it the most.