“This post is taking part in the t2 x Bonsai x Stack writing challenge”

Have you ever wondered why there are moments when you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, low on energy, and unmotivated? It's important to recognize these feelings, but often we simply say we had a bad day or didn't get enough rest. Why is this becoming so common? The answer could be simple: overstimulation, instant dopamine access from our devices, lack of interaction with others, and no physical activity.

If we delve deeper, have you wondered if the environment affects us too? Do colors have an impact on us? It could be. Our devices are gray, black, or flashy colors filled with lights. Is there any green on these devices? It's rare to see. Why is that? Advertising and society have shaped a different meaning for the color green. But how important is the color green?

The green provides mental tranquility and reconnects us with the present. Simple activities like connecting with nature, taking a walk in the park, hiking, or going to the mountains immerse us in green, which floods our senses. Something happens in our brain; we forget our problems and feel recharged. In contrast, being in a city center, surrounded by gray buildings, cars, traffic signals, noise, and advertisements bombards our brain with stimuli that tire us and make us irritable. We accumulate stress in the city and find mental peace in nature. Connecting with nature is like flying free without worries, while being in a city feels like being trapped in a cage. Reflecting on the power of green, would you prefer to live with your family in a noisy city or in a secluded house on a mountaintop surrounded by a vast green forest?

Can we incorporate habits involving the color green?

Greater exposure to green reconnects us and helps us stay present. One way to foster this exposure is through habits such as:

  • Caring for plants: This relaxing activity provides responsibility and the satisfaction of nurturing a growing living being. Choose plants based on your personality and lifestyle. For example, a bonsai requires daily care, while a cactus needs minimal weekly attention. Consider climate, space, and light availability when selecting a plant.
  • Walking in parks: Even a short walk in a local park offers fresh air and mental clarity, helping to organize thoughts better. This habit might be limited by factors like proximity and safety, but any small physical activity helps avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Hiking: Depending on the type, climate, and duration, hiking doesn't always require advanced physical condition. It helps break the routine, and weekends are ideal for this energy-boosting activity.
  • Consuming green and local products: This improves lifestyle and health while supporting the local economy. Fresh green products like avocados, lettuce, and cucumbers are beneficial. While not all healthy products are green, buying locally rather than from supermarket chains supports local producers.

Has the perception of green evolved for better or worse?

The perception of green has generally evolved positively, being associated with ecological movements and sustainable practices. However, overuse without genuine backing can lead to "greenwashing," reducing its effectiveness. While green is mainly linked to natural and healthy aspects, it's also used in broader contexts like interior design to create harmonious spaces and in technology to symbolize innovation. Its versatility and positive associations make green a powerful color in various marketing and design strategies.

The phenomenon of greenwashing, where companies project a false image of environmental responsibility by surrounding pollution with green elements, is an example of misuse.

In marketing, green favors action and is associated with recycling, environmental respect, freedom, and stability. Hence, it is used in many product designs, especially in the food industry, due to its link with being natural and healthy.

Have we been conditioned to associate green with positive meanings?

The association of green with action and positive connotations can be explained by several interrelated factors.

From a color psychology perspective, green conveys serenity, calm, and peace. In health and environmental contexts, it is widely used. These feelings are considered when using green in advertising and other professional fields. Culturally, green represents life, growth, food, and prosperity. Lands with abundant vegetation are associated with power, influencing our color perception.

Social conditioning from an early age, like green in traffic lights meaning "go," yellow for "caution," and red for "danger," also shapes our association of green with action and progress. Many brands utilize the sensations that green evokes in people. In the food industry, for instance, green indicates that a product is healthy or natural, reinforcing the perception of health benefits.

Connecting with green can effectively boost sales by associating with positive qualities like health, sustainability, tranquility, and innovation. Companies that strategically use green in branding and marketing can influence consumer perceptions and behaviors, increasing market success.

Does connecting with green help us connect with our body and mind?

Connecting with green promotes calm, reduces stress, improves concentration, and fosters a general sense of well-being. We often forget to stay connected to receive "immediate rewards." Instead, recognizing our thoughts, emotions, and sensations is crucial. Incorporating more green into our daily environment, whether through nature, decor, or clothing, can provide numerous psychological and physiological benefits.