Visual Stimulants
The brain reacts to all it sees and processes, including colors. They stimulate the brain, influencing the pituitary gland, producing a variety of effects via hormonal changes. A particular color may stimulate a memory; perhaps it is the color of your first car, or of a dress worn to your prom. A color may become associated with a traumatic event, and every instance thereafter the color may cause your heart to pound. We associate red with danger not because of traffic lights, but because long ago it became ingrained in our collective conscious that red (in nature) often is associated with poisonous things and creatures. Colors stimulate our thoughts and emotions. We have favorite colors because we like the way those colors make us feel.
Colors and Their Relationships
Although colors have different meanings in different cultures, and the meaning of colors continues to change even within a single culture, colors, nonetheless, produce certain effects. Various studies have produced some generally agreed-on effects. While red and pink are associated with love and romance, pink is the more tranquilizing of the two. Red is more emotionally intense, noted to increase heart rate and cause the body to pump adrenaline. Blue, one of the most popular colors, causes the brain to produce calming chemicals. People often accomplish more in a blue room because they are less tense. Green, another relaxing color, can improve vision. It is often used in waiting rooms to help patients relax. While yellow enhances concentration, it is a difficult color to take in and can cause tempers to flare. Brown can produce feelings of sadness or wistfulness.
Color Therapy
Because colors stimulate feelings, colors can be used on purpose to stimulate the desired response. While blue is calming, because it is not generally found in food (beyond blueberries and blue potatoes), blue actually can curb an appetite. Using a blue bulb in the refrigerator can help curb the desire for snacks. If you feel sad in a particular room, add a dash of yellow or green. Add red where high energy is desired. While red will help increase your cardiovascular circulation in a workout room, research shows that blue helps weightlifters lift more weight.
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