Use Colors to Enhance Your Productivity: A Scientific Guide

Busra Ozgumus
Insumo
3 min readDec 19, 2022

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The use of colors as a therapeutic tool can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In this guide, I will explore the scientific evidence supporting the relationship between color and productivity, and provide practical strategies for incorporating color into your work routine to enhance your productivity. Let’s begin!

Photo by Daniele Levis Pelusi on Unsplash

Colors have the ability to influence our mood, behavior, and even cognitive performance. In fact, research has shown that certain colors can actually enhance productivity and improve task performance. If you want to boost your productivity, consider incorporating these color-based strategies into your work environment.

  1. Red for energy and alertness: Red is a bold and energizing color that is associated with power and passion. It has been shown to increase heart rate and blood pressure, making it a good choice for tasks that require a burst of energy or quick action.
  2. Orange for boosting motivation: Orange is an energizing color that can help to boost motivation and drive, making it a good choice for tasks that require a high level of energy or determination.
  3. Yellow for creativity and optimism: Yellow is a cheerful color that is associated with happiness and optimism. It has been shown to improve memory and stimulate creativity, making it a good choice for tasks that require a more creative approach.
  4. Green for balance and harmony: Green is a restful color that is associated with nature and promotes a sense of calm and balance. It can help to reduce stress and improve decision-making, making it a good choice for tasks that require careful consideration or problem-solving.
  5. Blue for focus and clarity: Blue is a calming color that is often associated with feelings of trust, stability, and reliability. It has also been shown to improve focus and concentration, making it a great choice for tasks that require a lot of mental effort.
  6. Purple for luxury and creativity: Purple is a luxurious and creative color that is often associated with royalty and sophistication. It has been shown to improve problem-solving skills and stimulate the imagination, making it a good choice for tasks that require a more creative approach.

It’s important to note that while certain colors can have positive effects on productivity, it’s also important to consider the context and personal preferences of the individual. Some people may find certain colors more or less appealing, so it’s important to experiment and find what works best for you.

Overall, incorporating colors into your work environment can be a simple and effective way to enhance your productivity and improve task performance. So if you’re looking to boost your productivity, consider introducing some of these color-based strategies into your work routine.

You can use Insumo to plan your clothing choices for the following week according to your tasks and stay on top of your daily routine.

Insumo is a personalized productivity & habit building assistant that works with your current tools.

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Busra Ozgumus
Insumo

Co-founder @Insumo. Yogini, bookworm, productivity junkie, ex-VC and agritech enthusiast.