“Color is a power which directly influences the soul,” said Wassily Kandinsky, a Russian painter, and theorist. Color surrounds us, playing a surprisingly significant role in our moods and everyday lives. The science behind colors suggests that different colors have specific psychological effects on the mind. Did you think the McDonald’s infamous logo is yellow and red because those are Ronald’s favorite colors? It turns out that studies suggest these colors induce appetite in the human mind. Appetite is not the only aspect of our minds that color can impact, so when it comes to self-care, being mindful of which colors surround us can be beneficial.   

The science behind the ability of color to increase our hunger goes back to our natural instincts. Seeing red, a commonly occurring color in fruit and meat, prompts the brain to think about food when the color is seen. Red is much more appetizing to the human brain, especially when compared to a color such as blue, which is not a very common natural color in food and can even be an indication of spoiling. When we see color, what actually happens is that light enters the eye and retinal ganglion cells transmit this information to the brain via axons, the communicative structure of the neuron.  

But how can the natural association with colors be put to use when caring for our minds? From the color of the rooms in your home, to the clothes we wear, we have the ability to decide which colors we surround ourselves with. Blue, the most common favorite color in America, has been proven to have a calming and relaxing effect on us. This is because it is naturally occurring in Earth’s elements, such as water and the sky, inducing a feeling of tranquility. The color blue can help to reduce anxiety and aid in concentration. It is also said that blue generally has the effect of reducing tension.  

 While blue may be a good choice for a bedroom color, it is suggested that work clothing color corresponds with a more focused mindset. Because the color yellow induces mental creativity and clarity, this soft and warm color could be beneficial to wear when focus is needed. In addition, the color yellow is perceived as a high-energy color, pushing you to work harder.   

The color green may also be a good choice for both work and rooms in your house. This is because green induces feelings of freshness, safety, and harmony. This color causes the least amount of eyestrain as our eyes are at their peak perception to detect the wavelengths corresponding to the color green.  

The color red, which corresponds to the longest wavelength, induces feelings of power, which can be beneficial while working out or taking leadership roles. This is because the color red elevates heart rate, increasing blood throughout your body and to your brain.  

Color has the ability to change our mood through its psychological impacts. Choosing the correct color for the desired mood can be an easy and effective way to improve your mental health.