The Psychology of Blue
How does blue make you feel? People have long believed that certain colors can evoke different moods and emotions, and some research has supported the idea that colors can have psychological effects.
Blue is a color that is often found in nature, such as the pale blue of a daytime sky or the rich, dark blue of deep water. For this reason, people may describe blue as calm and serene.
However, blue can also appear icy, distant, or even cold.
Blue is described as a favorite color for many people and is a favorite color for men.
Because many people prefer blue, it is often seen as a non-threatening color that can appear conservative and traditional.
Blue evokes a sense of calm or tranquility. It is often described as peaceful, calm, secure, and organized.
Blue is often seen as a sign of stability and reliability. Companies that want to project an image of security often use blue in their advertising and marketing efforts.
Blue can also create feelings of sadness or introversion. Consider how a painting with blue highlights, such as one produced by Picasso during his “Blue Period,” can seem lonely, sad, or miserable.
Blue is often used to decorate offices because research has shown that people are more productive in blue rooms.
Blue is one of the most popular colors, but it is one of the least appetizing. Some weight-loss plans even recommend eating your food from a blue plate. Blue rarely occurs naturally in food, with the exception of blueberries and some peaches. Also, humans are instructed to avoid toxic foods and blue coloring in food is often a sign of spoilage or poison.
Blue can also lower heart rate and body temperature.
Consider how blue is used in language: blue moon, blue Monday, blue blood, blues, and blue ribbon.
Look at the use of blue in the image accompanying this article. How does blue make you feel? Do you associate blue with certain qualities or situations?
One important thing to remember is that the feelings evoked by certain colors are not necessarily universal. Cultural differences sometimes play a role in how people perceive color. Individual experiences also have a significant impact on the moods that colors can create. If you associate blue with a vibrant, energetic friend, you may see it as a high-energy color that evokes a sense of excitement.
Some Readers’ Responses to Blue:
While blue has different symbolic meanings, individual reactions to blue can vary greatly. Here are some reactions to blue that readers have shared over the years.
Blue is Pure
“Blue is the color of the sky, the ocean, sleep, and twilight. It’s the color that makes me feel at peace. When I see it, I feel like I’m in heaven. To me, blue is the color of sincerity, inspiration, and spirituality.
It makes me feel like I’m good enough.” – Bradnya
Blue is calming
“I love the sight of blue… especially shades of turquoise like teal and aquamarine. I tend to naturally gravitate toward this color; I think it’s the color of my aura. I’m already a very calm, composed, emotionally balanced person but when I’m blue, I’m less nervous and more relaxed and connected around others.” – Latvia
Blue can also be intense
“Many people think of blue as peaceful and calming, like a clear summer sky or calming water. However, when the blues are deep and intense, this inner reflection changes.
The sky is getting stormy and the water is going to rage. Blue now evokes a feeling of emotional energy, strength and spirit.” – Sunset
Blue brings inspiration and sadness
“I love the color blue, because it is the color of the ocean and the sky. The color blue makes me feel calm, serene, reflective and strong. When I look at the blue waters of the ocean, I feel so calm and strong, I feel free like moving waves and yet there is sadness that sometimes my eyes fill with tears – I don’t understand why. There is no color like great blue!” – Guest Sharon
