How the color blue affects mood, feelings and behavior (2023)

How does the color blue feel? People have long believed that certain colors can evoke different onesmoodsand feelings, and some research has supported the idea that colors can havepsychologicalEffects

Blue is a color that is often found in nature, like the bright blue of the sky during the day or the rich dark blue of a deep pool. For this reason, perhaps, the color blue is often referred to asquietand calm. However, as a cool color, blue can sometimes seem icy, distant, or even cold.

Learn about the psychology of the color blue, including different meanings of the color blue in relation to culture, spirituality, and more.

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Die Psychology of the Blaus

A survey in 10 countries found that blue is the most popular "favourite color" for people around the world, with men more likely to prefer the color blue than women (40% vs. 24% of US respondents).But what effect does this color have on us psychologically?

Color psychology tells us a lot about the effects that certain colors can have on a person's mood, emotions, and behavior. Here's what we know about the psychology of blue:

• Because many people prefer blue, it is often seen as a non-threatening color to encounterconservative and traditional.
• Blue reminds mefeelings ofquietjRelaxation.It is often described as peaceful, calm, safe, and orderly.
• Blue is seen as oneSign of stability and reliability. Businesses that want to project a safe image often use blue in their advertising and marketing efforts.
• Blue can also evoke feelings ofsadnessor distancing. Think how a painting with lots of blue, like Picasso did during his “blue period”, can appear lonely, sad or desolate.
• Blue is often used to decorate offices because research has shown itPeople are more productive and creative when working in blue spaces.
• Blue is one of the most popular colors, but it is also one of theless appetizing.Someweight loss plansHe even recommends eating your food on a blue plate. Because? Blue rarely occurs naturally in food. Also, humans are wired to avoid toxic foods, and the blue color in food is often a sign of spoilage or poison.

blue feelings

Note the use of blue in the image that accompanies this article. How does blue feel? Do you associate blue with certain characteristics or situations? Also consider how blue is used in language: blue moon, blue Monday, blue blood, blue and blue ribbon.

Individual experiences are importanteffect on moodswho can create colors. When you associate the color blue with a vibrant and energetic friend, you may see it as an energetic color that evokes a sense of excitement.

The meaning of the color blue

The meaning we assign to the color blue can vary based on a number of factors, some of which include our culture, spirituality, symbolism, and more.

cultural meanings

The feelings that certain colors evoke are not necessarily universal.Cultural differencesThey sometimes play a role in how people perceive color. According to research, the color blue means in different parts of the world:

• If: Blue represents truth, mercy and love
• Latin America: Blue is associated with sadness, but also with confidence and calm
• North America: Blue has a calming effect and means a person of trust or official business
• Great Britain: Blue symbolizes calm, dignity and decency
• Western European countries: Blue is truth, serenity, reliability, responsibility and loyalty

spiritual meanings

Blue is often considered a spiritual color because its undertones form the sky, which is representative of heaven. Blue is also the main color of the oceans and seas, and many people feel a spiritual connection with these waters.

The throat chakra is represented by the color blue, with some studies linking this chakra to "high spirituality" in people who practice regularly.Yoga.The chakras are the energy centers of the body and are believed to help the organs and mind function at optimal levels.

symbolic meanings

Blue symbolizes trust, responsibility, dedication and courage. Several law enforcement agencies in the United States wear blue uniforms because this color is considered more authoritative (especially when the tone is dark) and often evokesfeelings of security.

In the workplace, the blue throat chakra is associated with higher employee retention and goal orientation.It also symbolizes calm, reliability, health and healing.

other meanings

Some associate other meanings with the color blue depending on the context in which it is used.

• blue means in love: In love and relationships, the color blue represents faithfulness and loyalty, which is why it's traditional in the United States for a bride to wear "something blue" on her wedding day.
• blue meaning in life: Blue often represents peace and tranquility in life. Blue areas may even provide therapeutic benefits as we age.
• Blue meaning in personality.: People with a "blue personality" usually have certain characteristics, vizcompassion, sympathy, sincerity, imagination and enthusiasm.

Overview of color psychology

The idea that color affects us psychologically is not a new concept, first appearing in 1810 when the German poet and scientist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrotecolor theory.Since then,Farb psychologyIt has expanded as researchers try to explain the effects it has on how we think, feel, and behave.

The color effects are so striking that they led to the development ofFarbtherapie. Color therapy, also known as chromotherapy, helps treat mental illnesses by balancing the body and mind through colored light, visualization of specific colors, and massage with colored oils.

A word from Verywell

While exploring color psychology can be interesting, it's also important to remember that reactions to color can also be very personal. Past experiences can play a role in how people feel and respond to different colors.

While some people perceive blue as a sad or somber color, others interpret it as peaceful or uplifting. Pay attention to how the color blue makes you feel and consider some of the different influences that may have influenced how you feel.