The Surprising Impact of Colour on Your Brain (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)
We all see colour — but few of us realise we’re constantly responding to it on a psychological and neurological level.
Whether you’re designing a brand, choosing your outfit, painting your living room, or simply walking through a supermarket, colour plays a silent but powerful role in shaping how you think, feel, and act.
Why Colour Has Psychological Power
Our brains are wired to respond to visual stimuli. Colour is one of the most immediate forms of communication — it bypasses language and logic, sending signals straight to the emotional and memory centres of the brain. That’s why red feels intense, or why green can make a space feel fresh and calm.
Here’s how it works:
Red – The Colour of Action
Red increases heart rate and creates a sense of urgency or importance. It’s linked to survival instincts — think of blood, danger, heat, or dominance. That’s why it’s often used in sales, stop signs, or warning labels. It grabs your attention fast.
Blue – Trust and Tranquillity
Blue is processed in a part of the brain linked to calmness and focus. It’s also associated with logic, trust, and dependability, which is why banks, healthcare companies, and tech brands often use it. Blue can even lower blood pressure and slow breathing.
Green – Balance and Nature
Green is restful and refreshing. Evolutionarily, we associate green with safety and abundance (think forests or fertile land). It’s often used to evoke sustainability, health, or peace — perfect for wellness brands or spaces meant to relax and reset.
Yellow – Energy and Optimism
Yellow stimulates the left side of the brain, linked to logic and creativity. It’s bright, warm, and energising — but too much yellow can also cause anxiety or agitation. It’s best used sparingly and strategically.
Black – Power and Sophistication
Black conveys authority, elegance, and mystery. It’s powerful in branding when used deliberately, but can also feel heavy or cold if overused.
What’s Actually Happening in the Brain?
Colour perception happens in the visual cortex, but the signals don’t stop there. The brain sends information to:
- The amygdala, which regulates emotions
- The hypothalamus, which affects hormone release and physiological responses
- The hippocampus, involved in memory formation
This is why colour can change how we feel and even how we remember things. It’s also why the colours in your environment can boost productivity, calm anxiety, or trigger appetite.
Watch the Full Video: “How Colours Secretly Influence Your Brain”
In our latest video, we explore:
- The neuroscience of colour
- How major brands use colour to influence your choices
- Why certain colours make you feel focused, hungry, or inspired
- And how you can use colour intentionally in your business, branding, home, or even your wardrobe
Click here to watch it now — and start making colour work for you, not against you.
Join the Conversation
Which colours do you surround yourself with most, and how do they make you feel? Leave your comment on the video and let’s talk colour psychology.
