Your favourite colour might reveal more about your mood and health than you’d expect!

Why do colours influence our mood and health?

The power of visual perception

Before we even interpret what colours mean, our brain reacts to them instinctively. When light enters the eye, the retina captures the wavelengths and transforms them into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to the visual cortex, where they are interpreted and linked to emotions or physical sensations. This process explains the psychological effect of colours: some shades increase heart rate or stimulate alertness, while others create a sense of calm or safety. Colours therefore directly influence our behaviour, often without us even realizing it.

An influence that is both biological and cultural

The impact of colours isn’t purely biological, it is also shaped by culture and upbringing. For example, white represents purity and peace in many Western countries, while in some Asian cultures, it symbolizes mourning. Physiologically, certain hues can affect our nervous system: warm colours like red or orange increase heart rate and energy, while cool colours like blue or green lower blood pressure and reduce stress. The meaning of colours varies across contexts, but their influence on well-being remains very real.

Key colours and their effects on our emotions

Red: Energy, passion, but also tension

The colour of fire and blood, red is associated with vitality, strength, and passion. It draws attention and stimulates action. Physically, it increases heart rate and blood pressure. Used in moderation, it can boost motivation and energy, but when overused, it can become overstimulating and even create irritability or tension.

Orange: Friendliness and optimism

A blend of red and yellow, orange embodies joy and warmth. It encourages creativity, motivation, and social interaction. It’s ideal for friendly, lively spaces like living rooms or kitchens, as it brings a positive mood and energizes without overwhelming.

Yellow: Joy and concentration

Symbolizing sunlight, yellow evokes clarity, brightness, and good spirits. It stimulates intellectual functions and supports concentration, which is why it’s often used in learning or working environments. However, a very bright yellow may strain the eyes or increase anxiety. In small touches, it helps boost productivity and creativity.

Green: Balance and relaxation

The colour of nature, green inspires calm and emotional stability. It evokes growth, health, and renewal. Green has a soothing effect on the nervous system, helping restore calm and serenity. It’s ideal for bedrooms or rest areas, where it promotes relaxation and recovery.

Blue: Serenity and sleep

Blue, the colour of the sea and sky, symbolizes peace and infinity. It slows heart rate, calms the mind, and supports sleep. It is the ultimate relaxation colour and is often used in bedrooms or bathrooms. Used excessively, however, it may create an impression of coldness or distance. When well-balanced, it promotes better sleep quality and a sense of trust.

Purple: Spirituality and introspection

Associated with chromotherapy and meditation, purple stimulates imagination and inner reflection. It symbolizes wisdom, creativity, and mental well-being. Soft lavender or lilac shades promote relaxation, while deeper purples create a sense of mystery and depth.

Colours in our environment: How to use them daily

At home: Creating spaces for calm or vitality

Our home environment has a strong impact on our mood. Bedroom colours should support rest: soft blues, greens, or pastels for a calming sleep environment. In the living room, warm shades like beige, ochre, or orange encourage relaxation and social connection. Offices benefit from light, bright colours that help with concentration without overwhelming the eyes.

At work: Stimulating creativity and focus

Work environments play a major role in productivity and motivation. Spaces with natural light and dynamic colours like pale yellow or light blue support focus. In creative spaces, accents of red or orange can enhance energy and enthusiasm while maintaining a positive, balanced atmosphere.

In everyday life: Clothing, light, food

Colours don’t stop at interior design; they’re part of everything we wear, see, and consume. Clothing colours affect emotional health: a blue jumper soothes, a red dress energizes, a yellow accessory attracts joy. Even food follows this pattern: colourful fruits and vegetables contribute to vitality and lift our mood.

Can colours help in healing? Let’s talk about chromotherapy.

Chromotherapy is an alternative practice that uses colours to restore physical and psychological balance. Each colour is believed to correspond to a specific energetic vibration, capable of influencing certain areas of the body or certain emotions. Blue is said to ease anxiety and support sleep, red to combat fatigue, and green to calm stress. Chromotherapy is sometimes used alongside other approaches to support sleep disorders, mild depression, or chronic pain.

Even though scientific evidence remains limited, several studies suggest that exposure to specific coloured light may influence mood and our biological clock. While it should never replace medical treatment, chromotherapy invites people to explore how colours can support balance, serenity, and vitality.

Key takeaways

• Colours act on the brain and trigger measurable physiological reactions.
• Red stimulates and energizes, blue calms and supports sleep, and green balances and relaxes.
• At home or at work, choosing the right colours helps improve mood and concentration.
• Chromotherapy uses colours as a complementary tool to restore balance and serenity.
• Understanding how colours influence well-being helps harmonize body and mind in everyday life.

If you found this article helpful, feel free to give it a “Like” and share your thoughts and questions with the community in the comments below!

Take care!