Colours, Scents & Ions

Published November 2009

Human behaviour can be affected by a number of factors beyond our control. Ions, scent and colours seem to play a part in our demeanour, mannerisms and health. There have long been debates on the accuracy of these claims but it is relatively safe to say that there is some semblance of truth in findings by researchers studying the following points.

THE ROLE OF COLOURS

It has been stated that colours, in the most primitive context, are able to induce a response as they inspire and affect moods. My favourite base colour is red which is said to represent fire, excitement, love and to a degree, passion and a sense of danger. A study showed that establishments serving alcohol would be better off avoiding red interiors as some aspects of the behaviour habits listed earlier could become amplified.

Blue tends to give off the feeling of time slowing down, which would be unsuitable in an environment such as a school – the understanding being that children tend to have a short attention span and an already extended sense of time. However, research has shown that a blue room is perceived to be cooler by several degrees in relation to a red one.

Colours for clothing choices are another interesting observation. During job interviews, brown and greens seem to inspire confidence while black and dark blue reflect a sense of authority. This could explain why a large number of police uniforms tend to be predominantly deep blue in tone. It should also be said that red is regarded as a ‘power’ colour.

In business, many multinationals give serious consideration towards the use of colour in their logos and marketing projects. The wrong set of colours could easily cause irritability, lack of productivity, and eventually lead to financial losses. Some industry leaders take colour choices so seriously that colour psychologists are hired to provide the right direction for upcoming campaigns.

THE SENSE OF SCENTS

Clean-smelling environments are said to promote more ethical behaviour, states Science Daily. A few squirts of an unobtrusive citrus-based air freshener showed results in places such as retail stores and organizations which rely on the enforcement of certain rules. This theorem proved to be fairly accurate in the boardroom as well with subjects involved in negotiations exhibiting a higher level of efficiency, achievement and good judgement.

Studies have shown that individuals in pleasant smelling rooms are not only more ethical but are quicker to volunteer for charitable acts. In brief, clean smells tend to encourage ‘clean’ behaviour.

Citrus isn’t the only scent that’s good for the nose. Leading luxury hotel chains around the world apply the use of certain scents in their lobbies in an effort to evoke a sense of calm and serenity as soon as guests walk in. In short, they provide a complete and immediate atmosphere that doesn’t rely on the sense of sight alone. Green tea, lavender, ylang-ylang and vanilla appear to be popular soothing favourites.

When I asked friends about their favourite scents were, many smiled while confirming that the aroma of rain reminded them of their childhoods. Cut grass was also mentioned, as were distinctively feminine perfumes worn by mothers. It has to be said that the correlation between happy memories and comforting scents do go hand in hand.

IONS – GOOD & BAD

Ever wonder why the air smells and feels good after a downpour? It’s all those negative ions that you’re breathing in and a storm is nature’s way of stirring them up for you. Negative ions are molecules in the air that increase our levels of serotonin once they reach our bloodstream. Serotonin is a mood chemical that reduces stress, depression and anxiety. Negative ions are present at beaches, by rivers and waterfalls and in the mountains; places that many associate with feelings of relaxation. Think Zen and you’re on the right track. These are areas that are fully supercharged with negative ions.

The next time you’re by the beach, notice the pounding surf. That action causes negative ions to circulate by the tens of thousands thereby exposing you to the good stuff. This would probably help to explain why thousands of holiday-makers choose to vacation by the sea each year.

Negative ions work as a natural vitamin for the body by protecting against germs in the air and also help to combat low energy and a lack of concentration by increasing oxygen to the brain. Many liken them to a natural antidepressant as well as helping to sharpen mental function and reduce fatigue. Those in need of a quick negative ion fix should turn their showers on and sit in their bathrooms for a few minutes. As funny as this may sound, the running water is a negative ion generator and will get you sorted in no time.

Positive ions are prevalent wherever there are warm winds present – California’s Santa Ana winds are a great example. Air-conditioners, computer monitors, heat and humidity are just a few factors that contribute to positive ion production so something as simple as getting a little fresh air will help when you feel your energy levels dipping – a particularly useful tip for those of us stuck in offices all day long. Overexposure to positive ions under certain weather conditions may cause a number of health issues, namely asthma attacks, headaches, limb swelling and heart palpitations to name a few.

Sources: sciencedaily.com/independant.co.uk/serendip.brynmawr.edu/Porter and Mikellides, 1976/time.com/medicinenet.com