The Psychology of Green, How Can Green Help You?

The Meaning of Color and Psychology

In color psychology, colors with longer wavelengths, such as red, are considered “stimulating or warm,” while colors like green, with shorter wavelengths, are considered “calming or cool.”

Our eyes must adjust to perceive colors with longer wavelengths, but there’s no such need for cooler colors like green.

Green can positively influence thinking, relationships, and physical health. You’ll often see green used in the décor of medical centers.

Green is Calming

Shades of green can help calm individuals in unfamiliar settings. This is why designers frequently incorporate green into public spaces like restaurants and hotels.

A study explored the "green exercise effect" on participants who exercised indoors while watching videos of green outdoor landscapes.

Green is Natural

Green’s calming effects may stem from its association with nature, which people often experience as soothing and refreshing. Some researchers believe this positive connection to green has evolved in our brains; early humans associated green in nature with places providing food, water, and shelter.

In ancient mythology, green often symbolized fertility. For example, ancient Persians named the last month of winter Esfand to signify the return of spring and greenery to the earth. They dedicated the fifth day of this month to the earth and women. Similarly, the ancient Greeks depicted Osiris, the god of the underworld, birth, agriculture, and fertility, with a green face.

Spending time in green natural environments or even viewing images of green landscapes is associated with reduced stress, better impulse control, and improved focus.

Since green is strongly linked to nature, we’re more likely to perceive green as healthy and natural, even when it’s not. For instance, one study found that people were more likely to consider a candy bar with green packaging healthier than one with red packaging, despite identical nutrition content.

The term "green" also signifies "environmentally friendly." Think of green initiatives, green energy, green spaces, and Green Peace.

Green is Motivational

While some find green relaxing, others find it motivating. A study showed that people with a "high need for achievement" consistently chose green over red, which those with a "low need for achievement" often selected.

In traffic signals, green represents safety and permission to proceed, while red means "stop." This connection has also given rise to phrases like "giving the green light" to signify approval.

Your reaction to green is personal, shaped by your experiences and cultural associations. Research also shows that being surrounded by green plants or having access to green landscapes can boost creativity. Studies have indicated that green can inspire innovation.

In one study, a green-lit environment improved participants’ reading abilities, while a red-lit environment reduced them.

Green is Optimistic

Color affects not only emotions but also memories. A study presented participants with emotionally charged words written in different colors. They were more likely to recall positive words written in green, leading researchers to theorize that green carries more positive emotional connotations. As a result, green may foster optimism when recalling information.

In the U.S., paper money is green, and the color is associated with Irish-American culture, St. Patrick’s Day, and good luck. Interestingly, a study showed that green might act as a lucky charm. Participants exposed to green felt more hopeful and less afraid of failure.

Green is Jealous

Despite its positive associations, green can also represent jealousy. You’ve likely heard the phrase "green with envy." The origin of this phrase is unclear.

Green also symbolizes physical illness, such as when someone’s complexion turns green. The connection between green and illness might explain the association between green and jealousy—almost as if jealousy is a sickness in its own right.

Shades of Green

The meanings of green can vary based on its shade:

- Light Green: Renewal, spring

- Olive Green: Peace, earthiness, elegance

- Dark Green: Fertility, greed, money, ambition

- Yellowish Green: Illness, jealousy, decay

- Blue-Green: Cleanliness, freshness, water

- Pale Green: Calmness

Applications of Green

Green’s psychology is evident in everyday life.

Manufacturers, advertisers, and others use green’s various connotations to create impressions. For example, sustainable product packaging often features green. Similarly, cleaning products often combine green with blue to convey freshness and purity.

Of course, military equipment is green for camouflage purposes. This usage extends to apparel and other military-related products, such as fatigues and binoculars.

Concepts and practices tied to environmental concerns are often labeled as green (e.g., green energy, green initiatives, the Green Party, Greenpeace).

Phrases like "green card," "green light," and "operating room" also reflect various meanings of green.

Since green is strongly tied to nature, it’s often described as natural, refreshing, and calming. However, cultural influences and personal experiences also play a role in shaping our reactions to this color.

Next time you see green, take a moment to notice the feelings and moods it stirs within you.