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Surrounding Yourself with the Right Colors

The photo below is my new computer desktop background - I try to change it up every few weeks to jump-start my productivity.  I chose this photo mainly for the sky-blue color, after reading this week about how much the color of your surroundings can affect your mood. So what color is your computer's desktop background, and the walls in your office? It may be hard to believe, but light and color can play a huge role in how comfortable, energetic, and cheerful you feel.

Here's a little breakdown of the generally-accepted effects that colors have on mood:

• Reds and oranges are energizing, inviting, and can even be appetizing. Have you ever noticed how all fast food restaurants seem to be decked out in these colors? But that's the other thing about reds and oranges - they can be overwhelming and hard to be comfortable in for long periods of time. And it makes sense - fast food places are just fine with you being in and out quickly, so decorating with harsh reds and oranges and bright lighting serve them well. But high-end restaurants that want customers to be comfortable sticking around for a while usually opt for more gentle colors and dimmer lighting.
• Shades of green feel refreshing and relaxing. In fact green is the most restful color for our eyes to look at. Some say that's where the term "green room" came from - because rooms backstage for talkshows were painted green to help guests relax before going on stage.
• Blues are supposed to have a peaceful and calming effect, but not especially in a sleepy way. People tend to be more productive when they work in a blue room (hence my primarily blue screensaver...I'll try anything, ha.)  Blue is also the least appetizing color, so you'll see very few successful eating establishments decorated primarily in blue tones. (Maybe it reminds us of mold? The only edible thing I can think of that's blue is blueberries.)
• Shades of yellow get attention. And while bright yellow brings on feelings like energy and cheerfulness, the color is apparently best used in small doses. Some scientific studies have shown that babies cry more in a bright yellow room, and adults are more easily agitated when surrounded by bright yellows for long amounts of time.
• Shades of purple are said to be empowering, while also bringing a luxurious feeling to a room. People who need to be creative in their work have found that surrounding themselves with the color purple helps their thought process and creativity.

Of course there are limitless shades of every color, and each shade will have its own slightly different effect on your mood. Before you buy a gallon of purple paint and coat everything in your office, you'd probably do a bit more research on the subject.