Colours have an effect on all aspects of our lives, from our physical experience to our psychological one. We are constantly bombarded with images and messages in colours, whether we are aware of it or not. Some colours can be associated with feelings and emotions, such as red for anger or yellow for happiness. Indeed, how we respond to different colours can influence our happiness, productivity, and even the decisions we make. In this article, explore how colours can influence our mood and emotion in different contexts.
Colour Psychology
Colours interact with us in a variety of ways, and the field of colour psychology analyses why and how these interactions take place. According to colour psychologists, colour carries an emotional, intellectual, and spiritual meaning. The associations we make with colour are personal, and many beliefs and biases create our personal colour preferences. When we look at a colour, we rely on a vast combination of cultural references, upbringing and personal experience to determine the feeling we associate with it.
Primary Colours
Primary colours are the three main groups of colour, red, blue and yellow. These colours are used to create different shades and hues which can further evoke different emotions. To understand why primary colours tend to evoke different feelings, it helps to understand their symbolism.
Red
Red is often associated with passion, energy and boldness. It is often described as the colour of love and is tied to creativity, intensity and power. Red is a strong colour, and can physically increase the heart rate. It is often associated with danger, love, emotion and strength.
Blue
Blue is the colour of calmness and tranquillity. It is known to be the most liked colour, and is associated with creativity, peace, wisdom and confidence. Blue seeks to invoke a sense of trust, clarity and communication. It is also said to promote productivity and focus.
Yellow
Yellow is the colour of happiness and optimism. It is associated with joy and positivity, as well as being youthful and warm. It has been found to increase comprehension, cognition and concentration. Yellow is said to be the most attention-grabbing hue, and can make people feel cheerful and bright.
Secondary Colours
Secondary colours are those that are created when two primary colours are combined.
Orange
Orange is created when red and yellow are combined, and is the colour of energy and enthusiasm. It can spark feelings of warmth and comfort, and make people feel happy and cheerful. It is often thought to bring feelings of adventure, fun and relaxation.
Green
Green is created when blue and yellow are combined, and is highly associated with nature and balance. It has been linked to money, luxury and wealth, but can also evoke feelings of freshness, growth, and hope. Green is known to be the easiest colour for the eye to process, and is linked to soothing and cooling vibes.
Purple
Purple is the colour that is created when blue and red are combined. Historically, it is linked to royalty and power, and is often used in marketing campaigns that are geared towards upscale clients. It is a calming and creative colour which is associated with spirituality and pride.
Affects of Colour on the Mind and Body
Colour has a wide-reaching effect on our mind and body, affecting everything from our decision-making to our emotions. Here are a few examples of how colour can influence us.
Decision Making
Colours can impact the decisions we make, influencing our behaviour and attitude in a subtle way. For example, studies have shown that product boxes in red were more likely to make people choose them than those in other colours.
Emotions
Colours can evoke different emotions for different people. While some people might associate yellow with optimism, others might link it to sadness or fear. Colour psychologists believe that colours act as a sort of code that our brain can interpret and process on different levels.
Mood and Productivity
Studies have suggested that the colour of the environment we are in can affect our mood and productivity. Blue is known to promote productivity, while yellow can increase creativity. On the flip side, too much red can be overstimulating and can lead to burnout.
Colours can have a powerful impact on our mood, emotions and productivity. Understanding the psychology and symbolism of colours can help us understand how they interact with us on a personal level. Whether it’s through their associations to certain feelings or their effects on our physical responses, colours can significantly influence our mindset. With this in mind, it’s important to be mindful of how different colours can influence and affect our lives.
