Jesień to wyjątkowy czas, kiedy przyroda rozkwita ciepłymi barwami. Świat zapełnia się odcieniami złota, czerwieni, pomarańczy i brązu. Liście, które były dotąd zielone, mienią się w słońcu różnorodnymi, intensywnymi kolorami – od żółtego, przez rdzawą czerwień, po głębokie bordo. Jesień dla wielu jest przez to ulubioną porą roku. Kolory znacząco wpływają na nasze samopoczucie – ale w jaki sposób to się dzieje? Zapraszamy do lektury tekstu Kseni Iżewskiej z klasy 3b, który ukaże się w jesiennym numerze naszego anglojęzycznego magazynu AimHigh!
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The Psychology of Colour: How Colours Affect Our Mind and Emotions
The colour made a huge impact on our daily lives, sometimes in ways we may not fully realize. From the calming effect of a blue sky to the red of a sports car, colours influence our emotions, behavior, and even our thoughts. This fascinating field is known as colour psychology. Let’s dive into some intriguing insights and discoveries that reveal how colours can shape our mental and emotional state.
Our perception of colour is a complex process that begins with light. Colour psychology is the study of how colours influence human behavior and decision-making. When light hits an object, certain wavelengths are absorbed while others are reflected, and our eyes perceive these reflections as colour. However, our reaction to colour is not purely physical; it’s also influenced by psychological, cultural, and personal associations.
Certain colours affect us at a deeper level, often influencing our mood, decisions, and even heart rate. Red: known as a warm colour, red often elicits feelings of passion, excitement, and urgency. Studies have shown that red can increase heart rate and even stimulate appetite, which is why it’s commonly used in restaurant designs. However, it’s not always beneficial in every context—too much red can lead to feelings of stress, which is why it’s typically avoided in places intended for relaxation, like bedrooms. Blue: is known for its calming effect and ability to inspire a sense of trust and security. Cool blue often has the opposite impact of red, reducing blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, blue has been shown to improve focus and productivity, making it a popular colour in workspaces. However, too much blue can sometimes be perceived as cold or unfriendly. Yellow: the colour of sunshine, is often linked to happiness, optimism, and creativity. As a bright, eye-catching colour, yellow can create a sense of optimism and energy. It’s a popular colour for highlighting important text. However, yellow can be overwhelming if overused, as it tends to be a very stimulating colour. Some studies suggest that too much yellow can lead to frustration or anxiety. Green: is often associated with nature, growth, and harmony. It’s a colour that brings a sense of balance, often making people feel refreshed. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress and improve mood. Purple: associated with royalty, luxury, and mystery. It’s a colour often seen in art and literature as it recalls a sense of imagination and depth. Historically, purple was a rare dye, associated with royalty and wealth. In creative fields, purple can help stimulate the imagination, but like yellow, it’s best used carefully as it can also be overwhelming.
Black, White, and Gray: neutral colours may not grab as much attention as bright colours, but they play an important role in design and psychology. Black, for instance, has power, and formality, but can also create a sense of heaviness if overused. White, on the other side is often associated with cleanliness, though too much white can make a space feel sterile. Gray, being a blend of black and white, is neutral and calming, providing a sense of balance but sometimes leading to a feeling of detachment.
Colours impact not only our emotions but also our memories. For example, research has shown that blue can increase focus, making it ideal for study spaces. Red, meanwhile, has been found to improve attention to detail. On the other hand, green is believed to boost both focus and relaxation. The colours we surround ourselves with can have a great impact on making decisions or processing information.
The psychology of colour reveals how the colours we see every day can subtly, yet powerfully, influence our minds. While everyone may have personal preferences and unique reactions to colours, certain patterns are common. Understanding these associations allows us to use colours more carefully, whether designing a room, choosing an outfit, or even selecting a colour for a project. By learning how different colours affect us, we can create environments that promote well-being, productivity, and creativity.
Ksenia Iżewska (3b)
