Seeing Red, Feeling Blue

Hi, legend!

Happy Friday!

Have you ever noticed how a bit of blue can make you feel at ease, while red can feel urgent, alarming, and attention-grabbing. That’s no coincidence—colours have a profound effect on our emotions, behaviours, and even decision-making.

From the calming hues in hospitals to the bold colours of sports teams, colour psychology influences everything from mood to motivation. By becoming aware of these impacts we can minimise any negative effects, and even use colours to our advantage.

The Science of Colour and Emotion

Colour is more than just a visual experience—it directly influences how we feel and react. Research has shown that colours can trigger physiological responses, such as changes in heart rate, energy levels, and even hormone production.

The brain processes colour through the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and memories; this is why certain colours can evoke strong reactions, often without us even realising it. Here’s a breakdown of how different colours typically affect our emotions:

🔵 Blue: Enhances calmness, focus, and trust. Often used in corporate settings and tech branding (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn).

🔴 Red: Increases energy, urgency, and excitement. Regularly seen in sales, fast food branding, and sports teams, to create intensity.

🟢 Green: Promotes relaxation and balance. Common in health-related industries and nature-inspired spaces.

🟡 Yellow: Boosts positivity and creativity. Often used to grab attention and evoke feelings of warmth and optimism.

⚫ Black: Symbolises power, sophistication, and authority. Common in luxury brands.

⚪ White: Represents cleanliness, simplicity, and purity. Frequently used in medical settings and minimalist design.

These emotional triggers aren’t just abstract theories—they’re backed by psychological studies and widely used in design, marketing, and even medical environments.

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Three Ways Colour Impacts Our Daily Lives

The power of colour isn’t just about feelings—it also affects the decisions we make, often subconsciously.

💸 Marketing and Branding

Have you ever wondered why most sale signs are red? Studies show that red increases heart rate and creates a sense of urgency, making people more likely to take action. Similarly, brands that want to build trust (like banks and tech companies) often use blue, while wellness brands lean towards greens and neutrals to evoke calmness and appeal to your sense of health.

💻 Workplace Productivity

The colours in your office or home workspace can influence focus and efficiency. Research suggests that blue tones improve concentration, while pops of yellow enhance creativity. Grey or dull colouring, on the other hand, can reduce motivation.

🏆 Competition and Performance

Studies on sports teams have shown that athletes wearing red often outperform those in blue due to the psychological perception of dominance and aggression. This principle extends to business and leadership—wearing bold colours like red or black in professional settings can increase confidence and perceived authority.

Applying Colour For Performance

Now that you know how colours affect mood and decision-making, how can you use this knowledge to enhance your own wellbeing?

1. Optimising Your Home Environment

🧘 For relaxation: Use greens and soft blues in bedrooms and living spaces to create a calming effect.

🎯 For focus and work: Incorporate blue and white tones in home offices to enhance concentration.

🔋 For energy: Add warm tones like orange and red in fitness spaces or social areas to boost motivation.

2. Dressing for Impact

🛡️ For confidence: Wear red or black when you want to exude authority (e.g., important meetings, presentations).

🤝 For trust and reliability: Blue is ideal for professional settings.

🎨 For creativity and positivity: Yellow and orange can inspire innovation and optimism.

3. Food and Appetite

Believe it or not, colour can influence how much we eat, what we crave, and even how food tastes.

🍟 Red and yellow increase appetite: Think about the logos of fast-food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Hungry Jack’s/Burger King–coincidence? If you want to eat less, avoid red-heavy environments at home.

🫐 Blue suppresses appetite: Since blue is rare in natural foods, it’s been found to reduce hunger. Using blue plates or lighting can help with portion control.

🥬 Green signals freshness and health: It’s no coincidence that healthy food packaging often includes green. It subconsciously reinforces the idea of natural, organic, or nutritious choices.

Conclusion

Colour is a powerful yet often overlooked tool that influences our emotions, decisions, and wellbeing. Take a look around—what colours dominate your environment? Are they working for you or against you? Play around with things a little and see if you can feel a difference in your mood and energy levels.

I hope you have a good weekend!

Speak soon,

Zac

Disclaimer: The High Performance Brief is for general education purposes only. The content is not a substitute for professional healthcare or psychological services. If you have any health/mental health concerns, please consult a qualified professional.