Color can have a significant impact on our mood, emotions, and energy levels. Some colors are stimulating and energizing, while others are more calming and relaxing. Purple is an intriguing color that seems to straddle both ends of this spectrum. But is purple a good energy color? What does the research and evidence show about how purple affects our mindset and vitality? This article will explore the meaning, psychology, and effects of the color purple to determine if it enhances energy or not.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Purple
To understand if purple is an energizing color, we first need to examine what it represents. Purple is an unusual color that has long been associated with royalty, spirituality, mystery, and magic. It symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, ambition, independence, and creativity. Because of its rarity in nature, purple was historically the color of kings, queens, emperors, and the elite. The dye used to create purple garments was very expensive and difficult to produce, so only the wealthiest could afford it. This gave purple an air of prestige, exclusivity, and status.
In many cultures and faiths, purple represents wisdom, dignity, devotion, peace, pride, and independence. It is thought to be deeply spiritual and contemplative. The cool tones of purple suggest introspection and imagination. At the same time, purple contains excitable red undertones, hinting that despite its serenity, purple also stimulates creativity, originality, and visionary thinking.
The Psychology of the Color Purple
Psychologically speaking, purple sits between the stimulation of red and the calming nature of blue. According to color psychology:
- Purple is associated with imagination, creativity, unconventionality, and originality.
- It inspires reflection, mysticism, and spirituality.
- It boosts creative problem solving skills.
- It promotes inner calm and dignity.
- It combines the dependability of blue and the stimulation of red.
- It can signify luxury, ambition, power, and nobility.
So while purple leans more toward the introspective side of the color spectrum, it maintains a hint of red’s vibrancy. This gives purple an unusual dual energy – it is both cool and warm, both mellow and buzzing, both wise and creative.
How Purple Physically Affects Us
Research has found that different colors can actually have physical effects on our bodies and brains. So what kind of biological impact does purple have?
Brain Activity
Studies using electroencephalography (EEG) have shown that purple can stimulate the right hemisphere of the brain. This is the creative, artistic, emotional side responsible for imagination. Purple encourages inventiveness, originality, problem solving, and visionary thinking.
Mood and Emotions
Purple is thought to balance the mind and emotions. It has a soothing, meditative quality while also providing stimulation. Purple can inspire integrity, dignity, self-respect, introspection, justice, devotion, and spiritual fulfillment.
Energy Levels
While not as lively as bright warm colors like yellow and orange, purple has more energy than cool tranquil colors like blue and green. It provides a middle ground – subdued but stirring. People tend to feel more productive and motivated in the presence of purple.
Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate
Compared to warmer colors, purple may have a slightly calming effect on blood pressure and pulse rate. However, it is not as relaxing in this sense as blue. So purple can activate us cognitively without making us feel overstimulated.
| Color | Blood Pressure Effect | Pulse Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Raises | Raises |
| Orange | Raises slightly | Raises slightly |
| Yellow | No effect | Raises slightly |
| Green | Lowers slightly | Lowers slightly |
| Blue | Lowers | Lowers |
| Purple | Lowers slightly | Lowers slightly |
Appetite
Interestingly, purple is thought to be an appetite suppressant. Perhaps because it has hints of red’s stimulation coupled with blue’s serenity, purple does not seem to increase hunger or trigger cravings.
Purple’s Effect by Shade
All shades of purple contain the same duality of tranquility and activation. However, some shades may lean more toward one side or the other. Here is a quick look at how lighter and darker purples differ energetically:
Light Purple
- Gentle, soft, airy
- More femininely mystical
- Romantic, nostalgic
- Youthful, delicate, sweet
- Calming but not sedating
Light purples, like lavender, are supremely calming while maintaining a hint of vigor. They are introspective but not severe.
Dark Purple
- Rich, powerful, luxurious
- More masculinely mystical
- Regal, prestigious, elite
- Sophisticated, exotic, intriguing
- Contemplative but not depressive
Dark purples, like eggplant, ratchet up the indulgence and introspection. They inspire greater spirituality, creativity, and vision while remaining balanced and tranquil.
How Different Ages Respond to Purple
People of different ages may react to the color purple differently. Here is an overview of purple’s varying effects by age demographic:
Babies and Young Children
Purple can have a positive, calming effect on babies and children. It is stimulating enough to hold their interest, yet relaxing enough to soothe. Using purple in a child’s room or environment may help reduce anxiety and agitation.
Teens and Young Adults
Many teens and young adults feel an affinity for purple, likely because it represents magic, mystery, creativity, and vision. It empowers their quest for self-discovery and self-expression. Dark romantic purples also connect to the dreaminess and drama of youth.
Middle Aged Adults
People at midlife may be drawn to purple for its introspective qualities. Purple can reflect the mellowing of energy and passions, as well as the growing of wisdom and spirituality that often occurs during this period.
Elderly Adults
The elderly often appreciate purple for its dignity, grace, and wisdom. Softer purples, in particular, seem to comfort and centre those in their twilight years. Purple’s blend of calm and vibrancy works well for this demographic.
So purple appears to have a stabilizing effect across all life stages. The mix of thoughtfulness and imagination it inspires connects with humans young and old.
Is Purple Good for Work? Productivity and Creativity
Research has shown that certain colors not only impact mood, but performance. People work faster, more accurately, and more efficiently in the presence of some colors over others. So should you paint your home office or workplace purple to increase productivity?
Overall, yes, purple can be beneficial for work, productivity, and creativity. Here’s why:
- Purple stimulates right brain activity, boosting creativity and problem-solving skills.
- It provides motivation and interest, helping combat boredom and fatigue.
- It supports focus, introspection, and mental clarity.
- It reduces stress and anxiety.
- It inspires vision, originality, and imagination.
- It gives a sense of luxury, value, and confidence.
Some experts recommend lighter purples for workspace walls, as darker purples may feel too imposing. Lighter shades create an uplifting yet focused environment.
Be aware that too much purple may feel overwhelming or cause moodiness. Balance purple with more neutral tones. Overall though, purple can rouse creativity, calm distractions, empower ideas, and get those brain juices flowing.
Purple for Feng Shui and Chakras
In systems like feng shui and chakra healing, purple plays an important energetic role as well. Here is a brief look at how purple is used:
Feng Shui
In feng shui, purple promotes:
- Spirituality
- Wisdom
- Contemplation
- Introspection
- Problem solving
- Creativity
- Nobility
- Mysticism
Purple is associated with the feng shui element of fire. It should be used sparingly in feng shui design to prevent over-stimulation.
Chakras
Purple is connected to the crown chakra, located at the top of the head. The crown chakra represents:
- Wisdom
- Self-realization
- Consciousness
- Higher purpose
- Enlightenment
- Spiritual connection
Purple stones,Repeating chakra balancing exercises and meditations using the color purple can help open, align, and empower the crown chakra.
So in both feng shui and chakra healing arts, purple represents the highest spiritual awareness and intuition available.
Is Purple Good for Physical Health?
We’ve examined purple’s psychological and energetic effects. But could surrounding yourself with purple actually improve physical health?
While more research is needed, there are some tentative health benefits linked to purple:
Stress Reduction
As a relatively peaceful, introspective color, purple may help ease stress. Lower stress supports immune system health.
Lower Blood Pressure
Purple’s tranquil qualities may help slightly reduce blood pressure in some individuals. High blood pressure can lead to health issues over time.
Headache Relief
Cooler colors like purple have been shown to temporarily relieve some headaches. The mechanism behind this effect requires more study.
Less Appetite
Eating in front of purple decor may curb appetite slightly. This could lead to weight loss in some cases. However, purple is not a substitute for healthy eating habits.
So while purple may offer some secondary physical advantages, more research on this front is needed. Still, every little bit helps, so purple’s stress-relieving nature alone may be physically worthwhile.
Is Purple Eco-Friendly?
With environmental awareness growing, the eco-friendliness of colors matters too. Is purple a “green” color choice?
Historically, purple fabric dyes were derived from a mucus secreted by certain mollusks. So early purple was entirely natural. Today most purple is synthetically produced. However, there are eco-friendly options:
Plant-Based Dyes
Many plants can produce purple pigments, including purple carrots, elderberries, red cabbage, grapes, and certain flowers. Using renewable plant sources is better for the planet.
Mineral-Based Pigments
Natural mineral pigments, like manganese phosphate or cobalt, provide rich purples without toxins. They can be used in paints, dyes, cosmetics, and other materials.
Recycled Plastics
One innovative option is recycled purple 3D printer filament made from used plastics. This gives new life to old materials.
So while synthetics dominate today, there are earth-friendly ways to harness purple’s power. Seek out renewable, recycled, and non-toxic purple products when possible.
Conclusion
In the end, is purple a good energy color that belongs in your home or office? I believe the answer is yes. Purple’s rare blend of tranquility and inspiration makes it both centering and animating. It opens our mind, soul, and creativity simultaneously with its balance of red’s and blue’s effects. Purple promotes vision, problem solving, dignity, spirituality, self-awareness, and more – all while delivering these benefits gently and contemplatively. People of all ages can benefit from purple’s wisdom, imagination, and sense of purpose. And lighter purples make uplifting, energizing backdrop colors. So don’t be afraid to add this magical, royal color to your environment. Purple offers a uniquely thoughtful yet empowering energy that can enhance your outlook and productivity.