Color has a significant impact on our mood, emotions, and energy levels. Certain colors have the ability to energize and invigorate us, while others can have a calming and relaxing effect. When looking to boost your energy, considering surrounding yourself with the right colors can provide an easy and effective solution. In this article, we will explore what color can give you energy and help you feel more motivated and productive.
Red
Red is commonly associated with energy, passion, and action. This bold and vivid shade has been shown to raise pulse rates and blood pressure due to its stimulating effect on the brain and nervous system. Exposure to the color red can give you an energy boost when you are feeling tired or sluggish. Red is great for motivating physical activity and productivity. Consider wearing red clothing or adding red accessories on days when you need an extra jolt of energy. Red is also an appetite stimulant, so it can give you an energizing boost at mealtimes.
Yellow
Bright, cheerful yellow is another color that is strongly associated with energy, optimism and warmth. Yellow stimulates mental clarity, focus and concentration according to color psychology. Surrounding yourself with yellow can help wake you up in the mornings and keep you alert and engaged throughout the day. Place a yellow throw blanket on your bed or pick out a yellow mug for your morning coffee to start your day off with energizing yellow color. Yellow is also believed to speed up metabolism, so it can give your body a natural energizing boost as well.
Orange
Orange combines the vitality of red with the cheerfulness of yellow. This bold, bright color provides a powerful energy boost that can motivate you to be more physically active. Orange promotes enthusiasm and inspiration, reducing feelings of depression and anxiety. Use orange as an accent color in your home office or workspace to stay focused and productive. Orange is also energizing to the digestive system, helping to stimulate appetite and nutrient absorption. Sipping orange juice or eating oranges is a good way to get an energizing boost from this vibrant color.
Green
While green has more relaxing and renewing properties, certain shades of green can also provide an uplifting energy boost. Lighter greens like lime, chartreuse and apple green have an invigorating quality. These crisp, bright greens can help stimulate the mind and body. Surrounding yourself with these shades can improve focus when working, studying or trying to come up with creative solutions. The color green is also restorative for tired eyes, so looking at nature and green spaces can provide an energizing boost when you are mentally fatigued.
Blue
Most shades of blue tend to have a calming effect, however lighter blues can also create a mood boost. Lighter shades like sky blue and baby blue are uplifting. Being around these airy, light blues inspires feelings of optimism and possibility. Add some throw pillows or blankets in these colors to any room you need an energizing lift in. Taking a walk outdoors under a bright blue sky can also provide a revitalizing boost. Darker blues can have a sedative effect, so avoid using navy or indigo when you need energy.
Purple
Purple has a mysterious, spiritual vibe that can spark creative energy. Lighter purples and lilacs have an uplifting quality that can give you a mental and emotional boost. Use shades of light purple when brainstorming new ideas or trying to problem solve. However, avoid darker purples and deep violets when energy is needed, as they can take on a dreamy, meditative tone.
Pink
Certain shades of pink provide a gentle energizing lift. Soft pink, like the pink of flowering cherry blossoms, can conjure feelings of gentleness, love and intimacy. Being around soft pinks promotes emotional well-being and bonding in relationships. Hot pink has more of a stimulating effect on the mind and body. This vibrant shade boosts enthusiasm, friendliness and vigor. Add hot pink accessories or clothing when you need a pick-me-up.
White
Crisp, clean white reflects all wavelengths of light, creating an energizing effect. This fresh neutral shade promotes mental clarity, alertness and focus. Use white when you need to concentrate without visual distractions. Add plenty of white or off-white workspace when you need energy for detailed mental work. White can also encourage physical motivation and stamina.
Black
While black can feel heavy and somber in large amounts, as an accent it provides contrast that energizes other colors. Black enhances concentration and mental focus. Wearing black clothing can also provide an energy boost by making you appear thinner and more self-assured. Use black pens, frames, accents and backgrounds to make bright colors pop with energizing contrast.
How Color Impacts Energy Levels
Color can impact energy levels by:
- Stimulating the nervous system – Vibrant, warm colors like red, orange and yellow excite the nervous system and brain, increasing heartbeat, respiration and metabolism.
- Improving mood – Bright, cheerful colors provoke positive emotions like happiness and confidence, providing an emotional energy boost.
- Relieving eye strain – Cool greens, blues and violets rest overworked eyes to combat fatigue.
- Promoting nutrition – Orange and yellow support good digestion and absorption of nutrients for sustained energy.
- Boosting immunity – Exposure to a range of colors helps balance and strengthen the immune system.
- Enhancing creativity – Colors like purple inspire original thinking and innovative problem solving for mental energy.
- Impacting hormones – Reds, oranges and pinks help regulate hormones like dopamine and serotonin that control energy.
The stimulating or calming effect of different colors triggers direct physiological responses that can leave you feeling energized or drained. By choosing colors intentionally, you can environmentally support your body’s natural energy levels.
Tips for Using Color to Boost Energy
There are many simple ways you can use energizing colors to help fight fatigue and supercharge your day:
- Paint your walls or doors a vivid red or orange
- Select brightly colored throws and pillows for your sofa
- Choose cheerful yellow dishes for breakfast
- Drink water from a brightly colored bottle or glass
- Display art, pictures or photos with pops of energizing colors
- Keep a vase of fresh colorful flowers on your desk
- Plant brightly blooming flowers outdoors you can see from inside
- Wear an energizing color shirt under a neutral sweater
- Put on a colorful scarf, tie, socks or other accessory
- Use an energetic colored mouse pad, notebook or other office supply
Even small touches of lively color in your everyday environment can provide an uplifting, energizing effect when you need it.
Colors to Avoid When You Need Energy
While warm brights and lights energize, some colors have the opposite effect. Avoid these colors when you need an energy boost:
- Browns – neutral and blah
- Grays – dreary and dulling
- Pale or dark blues – too calming
- Greens with brown undertones – earthy and draining
- Pale or muddy shades – lack vibrancy
- Neutrals – bland and boring
These muted, dark or muddy colors can sap your energy further when you are already fatigued. Stick to clean, bright shades to energize your space.
Which Rooms to Use Energizing Colors In
Certain rooms deserve special focus when selecting energizing colors:
Bedroom
Since the bedroom is where you begin and end your day, it’s important to use colors that energize you. Reds, oranges, yellows and greens promote wakefulness. Save cooler blues and purples for accent colors only in the bedroom.
Bathroom
The bathroom is where you prepare for the day. Red is a stellar color here as it energizes and excites the senses. Yellow and orange also provide uplifting colors for towels, rugs, shower curtains and accessories.
Kitchen
Warm peach, yellow or orange paint colors and accents will energize your kitchen and promote appetite. Use reds and oranges on dishes, appliances and linens to get an energy boost during meals.
Office
Your office should help keep you alert and focused, so opt for green, blue, red, orange or yellow paint, accessories and office supplies. Cool blues and greens help concentration without being overstimulating.
Gym
Red, orange and yellow make perfect energizing gym colors. Seeing these fiery shades while working out will help you feel more motivated and energized through every rep and mile.
Use color strategically throughout your home and office to give yourself an energizing lift whenever you need it.
How to Balance Energizing Colors
While energizing colors provide a useful boost, too much can feel overstimulating and counterproductive. Follow these tips for balance:
- Use energizing colors in moderation as accents against neutral backgrounds
- Aim for no more than 3 energizing colors in a single space
- Add grounding natural elements like wood tones, plants and natural light
- Use muted or darker shades of energizing colors for less stimulation
- Incorporate some calming colors like blues, violets and pale pinks
- Take regular screen breaks if using electronic energizing colors
- Switch to candlelight or reduce lighting in evenings
Achieving equilibrium is crucial for energizing colors to have their desired effect.
Conclusion
Color can have a significant impact on your energy levels throughout the day. While cool blues and greens have a calming effect, warm bright shades like yellow, red and orange provide an energizing lift. Making small tweaks by adding energizing accent colors to your home and office decor, clothing and accessories can give your body and mind a natural boost when you start lagging. Next time you need a pick me up, take a look at your surroundings and see if a touch of lively color could provide the energizing jolt you need to take on the day.
