20 Tips for a More Colorful Life

Have you ever wondered why you prefer specific colors over others? Some make you feel alive; others send you right to sleep, while others invoke anxiety.

 

The way colors impact your feelings and behavior is called "color psychology".

 

A 2007 study found that participants who had a brief perception of red before taking an important test had impaired performance. A 2014 study showed that eating off red plates resulted in participants consuming less food.

 

Whether you are aware of it or not, the colors you surround yourself with are likely impacting your mood and behavior!

 

Color psychology: the basics

 

Of course, variations exist, but most of us respond in similar ways to specific colors. Hues also influence how we react to colors. A bright red, for instance, might have an entirely different effect on our emotions than a warmer, more subdued red.

 

Also, our past experiences can create color associations that differ from other people's. If your childhood home had a blue-and-yellow color scheme and you loved it, then you may feel similarly happy if you have that same scheme in your adult home.

 

Color psychology shows that in general, we associate the following colors with the following emotions:

7—WHEN YOU NEED TO SPARK YOUR CREATIVITY

A 2009 study found that people exposed to blue were better able to connect with their creative sides. Include blue in your art, writing room, or wear a blue piece of jewelry for a creative boost.

 

8—WHEN YOU NEED TO BE CALM

Are you about to face a stressful situation?

 

Have a combination of pastel green and blue colors around you. These work well in rooms at home where you want to relax, or somewhere within your view when you have to confront a stressful situation.

 

Interior decor experts recommend green for promoting calm in health-oriented spaces, like clinics, hospitals, and counseling offices.

 

9—TO FEEL ENERGETIC AND HAPPY

Add a splash of yellow in your wardrobe. You feel more vibrant, and you'll radiate the same onto others, potentially helping to lift their mood.

 

10—FOR ROMANCE

Include some pink on your table decorations, wardrobe, jewelry, or bedroom. Pink speaks of romance and is also calming and soothing.

 

11—WHEN YOU NEED TO FOCUS

If you have a home office, include blue in the décor. This color not only calms and stimulates creativity, but also encourages focus, so you can get your work done without distractions.

 

15—IF YOU'RE TAKING A CLASS

Wearing yellow will help stimulate your interest and curiosity. It connects you to your learning self and will motivate you to stay keen.

 

16—FOR A DOSE OF ENERGY

Splash on some red! You'll feel your energy rising and your spirit getting infused with vitality. Rely on it to get you through a tough day.

 

17—IF YOU'RE FEELING A BIT OFF-CENTER

Get out in nature and let green things envelop you. This color connects us to our spiritual center and brings our attention to the heart. It's what you need to alleviate stress and worry.

 

20—WHEN REDECORATING YOUR HOME

Consider what you want to feel in each room.

 

Blue and green in the dining room will give a sense of calm and may inhibit the impulse to overeat.

 

Kitchens and bathrooms often incorporate yellow to spark happiness.

 

Add a little pink in the bedroom to stimulate romance but consider combining it with blue or green to encourage restful sleep.

 

For your exercise room, a performance-enhancing red, and a bit of energizing orange will set the right mood.

 

Consider purple for your guest room to make it feel luxurious.

 

Being mindful of the colors around you can certainly help improve your life. It's time to start making your life more colorful!