London, Jan 6 (ANI): It has long been associated with negativity, but according to researchers, the colour blue can send self-confidence soaring and boost happiness levels.

To reach the conclusion, researchers from the University of Sussex exposed volunteers to a range of colours and light.

They found that blue and green made male subjects feel happier, while blue, purple and orange did the same for women, reports The Telegraph.

From the reactions, it was found that blue and red improved confidence levels among men, while blue and purple were best in this respect for women.

The study, which was carried out by The Mind Lab, a group of scientific researchers, for the chemists Boots, found that exposure to bright colours in general held benefits.

Volunteers who were exposed to colours completed mental tests up to 25 per cent quicker. Reaction times were up to 12 per cent faster, while hand-eye co-ordination and the ability to recall a list of words were also found to be improved, the study found.

Even physical strength - quantified by measuring the power of the volunteers” grip - was greater among those bathed in bright colours.

Dr David Lewis, a founder of the Mind Lab, told the Daily Mail: “Dreary winter days can have a seriously negative effect on the psyche.

“The greyer the weather, the greater the risk of it leaving us down in the dumps.

“This study has shown that simply by introducing more colour into our lives at this time of the year, we could help banish the winter blues.” (ANI)