In the Mood? How Your Mood is Affected by Colour and Lighting

It is often thought that people’s moods change with the seasons, but did you know it’s not a seasonal change, but to do with how much light we’re exposed to?

Dr Victoria Revell, a chronobiologist at the University of Surrey argues that “light is critical for our health and wellbeing. Ensuring that we receive adequate light levels at the appropriate time of day benefits our alertness, mood, productivity, sleep patterns and many aspects of our physiology.”

 

The Blue Lights of Glasgow

In 1999 blue streetlights were installed in Glasgow in order to improve the overall aesthetics but it later emerged that crime in the area dropped as they appeared to have a much calmer effect than surrounding streets with traditional sodium yellow/orange lighting.

An interesting point, and by looking at the colour of lighting the discussion opens up further.

Colour Psychology as Therapy

Artists and interior designers have long understood how colour can dramatically affect moods, feelings, and emotions. Certain colours have been associated with increased blood pressure, increased metabolism, and eyestrain.

Several ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Chinese, practiced chromotherapy, or the use of colours to heal. Chromotherapy is sometimes referred to as light therapy and is still used today as a holistic or alternative treatment. In this treatment:

• Red was used to stimulate the body and mind and to increase circulation.
• Yellow was thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.
• Orange was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy levels.
• Blue was believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain.
• Indigo shades were thought to alleviate skin problems.

If you’re planning an event, it is important that you choose the right lighting to complement the atmosphere and vibe you want to create. Monitor Lighting are industry experts when it comes to event lighting and provide lighting hire across Essex. Anyone can plug in a light but good event lighting should be dramatic and stunning. That’s why all of our lighting services include design, consultation, installation and operation. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.