How colors can support healthy living at home

History

When exactly humans started to perceive colors consciously is difficult to pin down. Today, there is evidence that color perception was an essential part of our development and evolution. In cave paintings, which are thousands of years old, the oldest known used colors were found. They indicate that early humans, had the ability to make and use different colors. There are several theories about why early humans used colors, based on interpretation of archaeological evidence and cultural context. However, it is undeniable that the understanding and perception of colors have long been part of human existence.

Effect of colors

The light waves from colors directly affect our nervous system, thereby influencing how we feel. Numerous studies show that colors affect our perceptions, emotions, behavior, and physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and brain activity. Colors can even have an effect on us when we are not consciously aware of them, for example in the dark. This is because our brain processes and responds to colors on both a conscious and subconscious level.

Scientific studies provide valuable evidence and insights into the effects of colors. However, it is important to note that the perception of color effects can be subjective and is influenced by our personal experience, cultural backgrounds and individual differences.

Why color and health?

Because we know that colors can have an impact on our emotions and physiological responses, we can consciously use them to achieve desired effects. For example, we know that colors can influence our sleep-wake rhythm and evoke emotional responses. So if we want to design our bedroom so that we can sleep well, we can consciously choose colors that support healthy sleep and do not trigger stressful emotions and thoughts.

Example healthy sleep

So how do you find the right color that will evoke the desired response and support your health?

Let's stay with the healthy sleep example: in order to sleep well, your body needs to relax and rest in the evening. To do this, it's important that your heart rate drops, your breathing calms down, your senses turn from the outside to the inside, and you can turn off your thoughts.

The color blue has been proven to slow your heart rate, lower blood pressure, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. So, staying in a room with blue color components will help your body achieve the conditions for healthy sleep more easily.

Important to note here is that unlike the color blue, blue light (especially from electronic devices or artificial lighting), can suppress the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, making it harder for us to fall asleep and maintain proper sleep patterns.

Another color that is conducive to healthy sleep is the color green.

Green reminds us of nature, tranquility and helps us to arrive at ourselves and shut down.

Other colors for your health

The color green also has other positive properties for our health. It helps us focus and thus be more in the here and now, which has been shown to make us feel better and more satisfied.

According to studies, green helps us reduce stress and find a better balance.

The colors purple and white can also have positive influences on our health.

Purple helps us connect well with ourselves. It connects us with our desires and feelings and makes it easier for us to better perceive what we need right now. Light shades of violet can contribute to a calm atmosphere and promote relaxation.

White has a clearing and purifying influence. For example, if you want to relax at home from your daily routine, it can help to have a bright, neutrally decorated room, where there are not many strong colors.

Tips for implementation

How can you apply this knowledge in your home?

1. Choose a specific room that you would like to change. For example, you might choose your bedroom because you want a healthier and better night's sleep.

2. Take inventory of your current state. What colors currently surround you in your bedroom?

3. For a few nights, remove all colors that are more stimulating or activating, such as red, yellow, orange or very intense colors. How do you feel? Do you already notice a difference?

4. Then add items in the color with the desired effect and observe again if you notice a difference.

5. If you feel a positive effect, you can finally think about integrating a larger area in the selected color, for example a curtain or a colorfully painted wall.

I wish you a lot of fun trying out, testing and implementing!

If you have any other questions about this topic, feel free to post them in the comments.

All the love,