The role of colours in mood enhancement

Posted in Category:   Wellbeing Tips

Understanding colour psychology

Colours can play a surprisingly significant role in influencing our emotions, perceptions and even our general wellbeing. The strategic use of colours can enhance our mood, reduce stress and even improve our mental health. This is what colour psychology is all about. It’s the study of how colours affect human behaviour and emotions, exploring how different colours can evoke specific emotional responses and understanding how these associations can help us create environments that support our mental and emotional wellbeing. Take a look at some examples below – do you agree with them?
 

• Red: Energy, passion and excitement – can increase heart rate and stimulate the senses.
• Blue: Calmness, trust and peace – can reduce stress and anxiety.
• Yellow: Happiness, optimism and creativity – can uplift our mood and inspire creativity.
• Green: Balance, growth and harmony – can promote relaxation and reduce stress. A study published online by Sage states: “people find cool shades of blue and green and neutral earth tones to be relaxing because these colours remind them of nature”.
• Purple: Luxury, creativity and spirituality – can evoke feelings of sophistication and mystery.

Using colours to enhance your mood

By intentionally incorporating these colours into your living spaces, your wardrobe or even your daily routines, you can create a more positive and energised state of being. So, the next time you're looking for a little mood boost, consider the power of colour and let it illuminate your day.

1. Home decor: Incorporate colours that align with the mood you’d like to create in each room. Calming blues and greens in bedrooms can promote relaxation, while vibrant yellows and oranges in kitchens can increase energy and creativity.

2. Wardrobe choices: Wear colours that reflect how you want to feel or be perceived. Red can boost confidence and energy, while blue can convey calmness and professionalism.

3. Workspace design: Incorporate colours that enhance focus and productivity. Greens and blues can aid concentration, while pops of yellow can inspire creativity.

4. Mindfulness practices: Use colours in meditation or yoga practices for relaxation and focus. Visualising calming colours like blue or green can reduce stress and anxiety.

5. Create a relaxation zone: Use calming colours like blue and green to transform a corner of your home into a relaxation zone.

6. Boost energy and focus: Project energising colours like red and orange into your workspace to stimulate productivity and motivation.

7. Experiment with colour combinations: Test how changing shades affects the mood of specific environments.
    

Colours hold the remarkable ability to influence our mood and overall sense of wellbeing. When we understand the principles of colour psychology and use colour intentionally in our daily lives, we can support our mental and emotional health in meaningful ways. Try experimenting with a range of colours, pay attention to how each one makes you feel, and unlock the transformative power that colour can bring to your everyday life.