The psychology of colour: how colour affects human mood and behaviour

Colours surround us everywhere — from interiors and clothing to advertising and nature. Despite its neutrality, colour can influence our emotional state, perception, and even behaviour. Colour psychology has long studied how shades and palettes affect people, and today, we will delve into this topic with practical examples.

How do colours affect our mood?

Each colour has a unique energy that can evoke different emotions. For example, red is associated with energy, passion, and even aggression. When one of my acquaintances complained of chronic fatigue, it turned out that a rich red colour dominated her bedroom. After recommending that she change the colour scheme to soft green and beige, she noticed an improvement in her sleep and overall well-being. Green is often associated with harmony and nature, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

On the other hand, blue evokes feelings of calm and tranquillity. One couple I worked with chose dark blue tones for their living room. However, instead of comfort, they began to feel a kind of emotional coldness in their relationship. Adding warm accents, such as cream-coloured cushions and yellow décor, helped to balance the atmosphere and restore cosiness.

Colour and behaviour: examples from everyday life

In the commercial environment, colour psychology is actively used to manipulate behaviour. A classic example is fast food restaurants, where red and yellow colours predominate. These shades stimulate appetite and encourage quick decision-making. One of my friends, who works as a marketer, incorporated bright red elements into the design of an advertising banner for a promotion, and this increased sales by 20%.

On a personal level, colours can also influence choices. For example, black is associated with strength and confidence. A young man preparing for an important job interview decided to replace his usual blue suit with a dark grey one and a black tie. This helped him feel more confident, which had a positive effect on his performance.

Why is it important to consider the colour scheme around us?

Colours not only influence our mood and behaviour, but can also be indicators of internal processes. For example, an excessive preference for dark or grey tones in clothing is often associated with a depressed emotional state. One woman noticed that after her divorce, she started wearing only black. We worked through this together, and after a while, she began experimenting with bright and pastel shades, which coincided with an improvement in her mood.

Interiors also play an essential role. For example, a bright white office can feel sterile and cold, which reduces employee creativity. In one company, adding warm tones and green plants to the work area improved employee mood and increased productivity.

Tips for using colour in your life

  1. Create comfort zones. Use warm and neutral tones in areas where you want to relax, such as bedrooms or living rooms.
  2. Activate energy. Bright and saturated colours are suitable for gyms or active work areas. Pay attention to signals.
  3. If a colour starts to annoy or tire you, you may need to reduce it in your environment.
  4. Experiment with details. Add bright accents through accessories or décor if you're not ready for radical changes.
  5. Listen to yourself. Colour perception is individual, so it's essential to consider your personal associations.

Colours are a powerful tool that we can use to improve our mood and quality of life. They can inspire, calm, or energise, and understanding their effects will help you make your surroundings more harmonious.

 

Read my articles

https://stattya.com/yak-zarobiti-na-hobi-gajd-dlya-biznesmeniv-pochatkivciv-94

https://stattya.com/shtuchnij-intelekt-u-povsyakdennomu-zhitti-yak-vikoristovuvati-chatgpt-ta-inshi-instrumenti-113

https://stattya.com/vipusheno-antiiphone-smartfon-z-velikoyu-batareyeyu-141

https://stattya.com/how-to-start-a-business-a-step-by-step-guide-for-beginners-144

https://stattya.com/the-best-high-paying-remote-jobs-you-can-start-today-147

Enjoyed this article? Stay informed by joining our newsletter!

Comments

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Related Articles