9 Ways How Changing Background Colors Lifts Your Mood

Written by

Karin Andrea Stephan

Entrepreneur, Senior Leader & Ecosystem Builder with a degrees in Music, Psychology, Digital Mgmt & Transformation. Co-founder of the Music Factory and Earkick. Life-long learner with a deep passion for people, mental health and outdoor sports.

Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, and with the rise of technology, mental health apps have become an invaluable resource for many seeking support and guidance. One of the less discussed yet vital features of these apps is the use of background colors. The hues that frame your daily mood trackers and meditation guides aren’t just decorative choices—they can have a profound impact on your mood and the effectiveness of the app itself.

Let’s explore how customizing background colors in your mental health app can play a pivotal role in enhancing your emotional state.

Changing background colors in the Earkick app: two screenshots with customizable look

Background Colors: Nature’s Timeless Language of Emotion

Colors are like a secret language that’s been part of our world for ages. You see it in the way flowers bloom in vibrant hues or how the sky changes colors throughout the day. Since ancient times, people have used colors to express themselves, signal power and send messages without saying a word. It’s like wearing your heart on your sleeve or painting a picture of how you feel. Whether it’s the warm red of a sunset or the cool blue of a clear sky, each color has its own story to tell. And it’s not just about what colors mean—it’s about how they make us feel.

Think about how a room painted in calming blues can help you relax after a long day or how a bright yellow dress can make you feel happy and energetic. In this article, we’re going to dive into the fascinating world of color psychology and explore how something as simple as changing background colors can have a big impact on your mood and well-being.

#1 Using Background Colors to Manage Your Emotions

Background colors in mental health apps aren’t just there for looks—they actually help you regulate your emotions.

Colors can have a big impact on how you feel. For example, cool colors like blues and greens are known for their calming effect. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, setting the background of your app to these soothing tones might help you relax and feel more mindful. Imagine a serene blue sky or a peaceful green forest surrounding you as you navigate through the app, offering a sense of tranquility in moments of tension or worry. By selecting calming hues that suit your preferences, you can create a virtual environment that supports your emotional well-being and promotes a sense of inner peace.

#2 The Link of Background Colors to Color Therapy

You may have heard of color therapy, also known as chromotherapy. It’s about how you use the colors around you to improve how you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically. Whether it’s the color of your walls, the clothes you wear, or the light in your room, paying attention to these colors can help you feel better.

If used properly, it can play a role in alleviating both physical and psychological ailments and contributes to enhancing the atmosphere in workplaces, industries, and fostering creativity, particularly in medical and hospital environments. According to recent research, incorporating color therapy as a complementary approach can support your mental health and overall well-being, even if its long-term effectiveness has not been proven yet.

#3 How Background Colors Connect with Your Thoughts

Your brain links certain colors with different feelings or memories. By letting you choose background colors that resonate with you personally, mental health apps are tapping into these connections. For instance, you might feel warmth and creativity when you see the color orange. Picking this color as your app background could boost your mood and inspire you.

#4 Making Apps Accessible with Background Colors

When creating mental health apps, our team thinks about everyone’s needs. Background colors play a big part in making sure the app works for everyone, including people with vision problems. By offering a variety of background colors, including ones with high contrast, apps become easier for more people to use.

#5 How Background Colors Help with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

If you’re dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the background colors in your mental health app can be like a little dose of therapy. Changing the colors to match the seasons can remind you of the outdoors and make you feel more connected to nature.

#6 Background Colors: Shaping Your Daily Routine

Background colors in apps can influence your daily habits, too. Let’s say your mental health app has a calming background color. Seeing it might remind you to take a break and breathe during a busy day at work.

#7 Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere with Background Colors

Imagine arranging your mental health app in a way that feels like stepping into a peaceful scene. Background colors that mimic the ocean or a forest can make meditation or guided imagery sessions more immersive.

#8 Background Colors: Enhancing Therapy with Extras

Background colors aren’t the only things that can help you feel better. When combined with music, sounds, or images, they become even more powerful. For example, a warm background color paired with soft music can create a soothing experience that helps you relax or focus better.

#9 Why Background Colors in Mental Health Apps Matter

In a world where we’re always connected to screens, background colors in your mental health app can play a crucial role. They’re not just there to look pretty—they actually help you manage your emotions and navigate your mental health.