Scientists, commissioned by UK-based confectioners Lindt Excellence, studied how 1,000 participants relaxed.
They found that people don't feel fully relaxed until 8.38 pm on a Friday night.
To maximise the effect people can pick up a book, avoid social networking sites and wear loose-fitting clothes, researchers advised.
A cream coloured room was found to be the most soothing while black, orange and brown walls were the least comforting, the 'Daily Express' reported.
Tests also found that drinking red wine and eating chocolate together helps people unwind.