Reading Changes your Brain, let me explain. How colours affect the way you think.

Tara H

Hatched by Tara H

Jan 22, 2024

4 min read

0

Reading Changes your Brain, let me explain. How colours affect the way you think.

Reading has long been known to have a profound impact on our brains. It stimulates our imagination, enhances our cognitive abilities, and improves our overall mental well-being. But did you know that reading can actually change the structure of your brain? It's true. Research has shown that reading regularly can increase the connectivity between different areas of the brain, improving our ability to think critically and creatively.

Setting a target of reading 10 pages per day is an achievable goal that may trigger my motivation to continue reading. By setting aside a designated time each day to read, we can establish a routine and make reading a habit. This can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with finding the time or motivation to read. By committing to a specific number of pages, we can hold ourselves accountable and ensure that we are consistently engaging with literature.

In addition to setting reading goals, it can also be beneficial to build a book archive. Personally, I've been using Notion and Readwise to create a digital collection of the lessons I've learned from books. This allows me to revisit key insights and quotes whenever I need a dose of inspiration or a refresher on a particular topic. Building a book archive can also serve as a visual representation of your reading progress and accomplishments, providing a sense of satisfaction and motivation to continue exploring new literary works.

Now, let's delve into the fascinating world of colors and how they affect the way we think. Have you ever noticed how certain colors can evoke different emotions or reactions? For example, the color red has long been associated with passion, energy, and urgency. In fact, research has shown that wearing red can actually increase the likelihood of being noticed or approached by others. In one study, a group of researchers conducted a social experiment where a person would pretend to be a stranded traveler in need of assistance. When the person wore a red shirt, they were more likely to be offered help compared to when they wore other colors.

This phenomenon can be attributed to the Berlin-Kay Theory, which was derived from the work of two US academics in the 1960s. According to this theory, the evolution of color terms in different languages follows a specific pattern. They found that red was always the third color term to evolve in the almost 100 languages they studied, after white and black. The longer a word for a color has been in use, the greater the number of associations, meanings, and nuances it can acquire. In this way, the color itself gains more impact and can elicit stronger emotional responses.

Understanding how colors affect our thinking can have practical applications in various aspects of our lives. For example, businesses often use color psychology in their branding and marketing strategies to evoke specific emotions or associations with their products or services. Restaurants may use warm colors like red or orange to stimulate appetite, while hospitals may use cool colors like blue or green to create a calming and soothing environment.

So, what actionable advice can we take away from these insights? Here are three suggestions:

  • 1. Set reading goals: By establishing a target for the number of pages or books you want to read each day or week, you can motivate yourself to stay consistent and make reading a priority in your life.
  • 2. Create a book archive: Whether it's through a digital platform like Notion or a physical collection on your bookshelf, building an archive of the lessons and insights you've gained from reading can serve as a valuable resource for future reference and inspiration.
  • 3. Be mindful of color choices: Whether it's in your personal style, home decor, or business branding, consider the emotions and associations different colors can evoke. Use this knowledge to your advantage to create environments that align with your intentions and goals.

In conclusion, reading has the power to change our brains and enhance our thinking abilities. By setting reading goals, building a book archive, and being mindful of the way colors affect our thinking, we can harness the transformative power of literature to improve our lives and expand our horizons. So, pick up a book, immerse yourself in its pages, and watch as your brain and perspective evolve.

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