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Marie Kondo achieves it by tidying up. Elle Woods gets hers in Brooke's Butt-Buster workout. Sometimes, learning what makes you happy means looking around — even if you're holed up in a tiny apartment with a dwindling list of TV shows to watch. For beauty enthusiasts, adding a punch of colour to your everyday — with, say, your nail polish — can be a quick way to spark joy.
First, from a logical standpoint: "One of the reasons a fun manicure or nail polish can really boost your mood is because it's one of the things we see the most throughout the day," said Sigourney Nunez, manicurist and OPI's education manager. "Your nails and hands are always in view."
"In these unique times of quarantine, I would choose a colour that makes me feel like I'm anywhere else other than my apartment."
There's also psychological proof that certain shades can provide a sense of optimism, calm, or relaxation. Surrounding yourself with warmer tones, for example, can make you feel safe and uplifted; cooler hues can help put you at ease. They key is to consider the mood you're hoping to strike. "In these unique times of quarantine, I would choose a colour that makes me feel like I'm anywhere else other than my apartment," said Lisa Logan, celebrity nail artist and ambassador for Nails.Inc.
Ahead, we're breaking down the eight nail polish colours that can convince your brain to think happier thoughts. And if that doesn't work, you can always try them all together: "Using rainbow colours in your manicure is a simple way to inspire joy and happiness," said Nunez. (What, like it's hard?)