Continuing on with the CREATIVE HABITS – E=Environment
Did you know color can affect your mood and how creative you are feeling? The psychology of color has been studied by experts for several years and now you can learn which colors are most likely to create an environment where writing or other creative tasks will happen.
If you don’t want repaint the room you write in, you may like to consider purchasing a colorful rug, new curtains or even small pieces of fabric in the color you need to drape within eyesight of your computer to lift your creative mood.
Here’s a brief summary of six different colors and how each they can affect our moods.
GREEN
Green is the color of nature and is the most tranquil of colors. It reduces stress and encourages balance. Wear it to inspire unity and motivation. Green is both restful and can restore energy, so it’s a good color for a room where you are writing.
Some researchers have discovered that laying a transparent sheet of green plastic over reading material increases reading speed and comprehension. Green is considered to be the color of concentration and intellect. As a color that often represents fertility, green can fertilize your imagination.
BLACK
Of course, some people argue that black is not a color, but is rather the absence of color. However, while black is best used in small amounts, rather than as a feature, it is an important color to use. It’s popular as a symbol of menace or evil (and is balanced by white, which is seen as purity and goodness).
Although western cultures see black as a color of death and mourning, Ancient Egyptians believed black represented life and rebirth. A small amount of black can give your writing rebirth, and is really helpful in your peripheral vision, especially when you are editing work. Black is also associated with sophistication, depth and style and could bring these elements to your writing.
RED
Red is a very stimulating color. It provides energy, enhances self-assurance and produces an illusion of fantasy. People who wear red will receive attention and feel powerful. It also symbolizes love and, because it is a hot and passionate color, can help you to be passionate about your writing, when used judicially in room you write in.
In Feng Shui red means luck. A room or feature wall painted red will tend to invigorate and motivate action. If you find yourself in need of stimulation to write, especially on a grey, miserable day, try wearing a red top or scarf around your neck. It could energize you to write more creatively. However, avoid the red when you are feeling tense, as it will tend to fatigue you.
PURPLE
Purple and indigo are consoling, restful and spiritual colours. Mauve and lighter violets can create a very therapeutic and soothing atmosphere. One of the best reasons to use purple in your writing environment is that it combats fear and provides balance for the mind.
Purple stands for royalty, mystery, wisdom and enlightenment and can therefore be an extremely useful color in patches for writers who need these qualities in their writing.
BLUE
Blue is the color of peace and tranquillity and has been found to lower blood pressure. I find it especially useful to wear a light blue shirt on a deadline day, as I find I tend to be less stressed. Some color psychologists believe that blue can increase wisdom energy, which can be extremely useful in writing.
Blue exudes confidence, order, stability, harmony and truth; all of which are extremely important to writers. Scientists have proven that people are more productive in a blue room and it is therefore a good color to have in your writing environment. However, mix blue with another color too, as blue can lead to depression in some people. Lighter blues are calming, while dark blues can evoke sadness and should be avoided.
YELLOW
Yellow communicates happiness and represents sunshine. Even on a dull, grey day outside, yellow in your writing environment can provide you with a lift that is energizing. Yellow stimulates the nerves and is also the most fatiguing colour on your eyes.
Yellow can promote feelings of warmth and joy, however some studies have shown that babies will cry more in a yellow room. You should use this color with care, and more as an accent to another color, rather than paint the whole room yellow. It may be intellectually stimulating, but does not provide a restful respite. A lemon yellow, with light blue accents can be a very good combination for a writing environment, as the yellow gives a lift on dark days and the blue promotes productivity and provides the rest needed.
If you can have some fabric in the different colors, you can stimulate your senses when you need to. Otherwise, consider repainting or decorating your writing environment to match the mood you most need to stimulate when you are writing.
What’s your favorite color? Are there colors that you surround yourself with when you’re writing? Share your thoughts with us!
