The Effect of Colors on Mood
The Effect of Colors on Mood
THE EFFECT OF COLORS ON MOOD
Introduction
Got the blues. Green-eyed monster. Seeing Red. These are all phrases that we hear often. Do different colors really affect our moods? Many studies have shown that some colors make us feel calm, some make us feel anxious, and others may make us feel more cheerful. Let’s take a look at some colors, their affect on us, their meanings, and some different views in other cultures.
The Effect of Colors on Mood
Colors and moods: A powerful mood-altering tool
Our moods can be greatly influenced by the visual cues of colors. Our mood can be influenced by our perception of color. Colors can conjure up many feeling and emotions. Following is just a few examples:
The Culture of Colors
Colors often have different meanings in various cultures. Western society has changed over the years as well. But today in the U.S., researchers have generally found the following to be accurate:
Blue
The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms and studies show that weightlifters are able to lift more in blue gyms.
In Iran, blue is the color of mourning. In ancient Rome, public servants wore blue. Today, police and other public servants wear blue.
The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. Red cars are popular targets for thieves. Red is usually used as an accent in decorating.
In South Africa, red is the color of mourning. In China, red is the color of good luck and is used as a holiday and wedding color.
Green
Green represents nature and is currently the most popular decorating color. It is easiest on the eye and can improve vision. It is calming and refreshing. People waiting to appear on TV sit in “green rooms” to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients.
Only one national flag is a solid color: the green flag of Libya. In ancient Greece, green symbolized victory. In the highlands of Scotland, people wore green as a mark of honor. Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility.
Yellow
Yellow is cheerful, sunny, and an attention getter. It is considered an optimistic color, but people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. Overpowering if overused, it is the most difficult color for the eye to take in. It enhances concentration which is why legal pads are yellow. Yellow speeds metabolism. It also signifies cowardice, caution, quarantine, jealousy, and deceit. This color holds of many meanings.
In Egypt and Burma, yellow signifies mourning and in the Middle Ages actors wore yellow to portray dead people. In tenth-century France, the doors of traitors and criminals were painted yellow.
Black
Black