How to Enhance Your Computer Time Using Colour
by Donna Thomson
We spend a lot of time at our computers in this technological age and it can be very draining on our health. However, by using a few simple tools and tricks involving colour therapy principles, we can improve our computer time and use it to benefit us more.
What does your desktop background say about you?
Your choice of desktop background can reflect both the type of person you are and your current mood. For example, if you still use the background that came with the original installation, this could mean one of two things:
- You don't know enough about your computer yet to change the background and you are reading this while exclaiming, "You can change the desktop picture??!!"
- Or you are someone who is straight down the line and doesn't feel the need to 'fluff up' your computer by changing its settings.
Then there will be people who perhaps change their desktop background when they get bored with the current image or come across an image they particularly like so they put it on their desktop. At the more creative and active end of the spectrum there are people who will change their pictures quite often (sometimes daily!) to reflect their moods, likes and dislikes.
Someone with family photos as their background is obviously very family-oriented. Some people enjoy nature scenes, animal images, inspirational images and messages, images relating to interests and hobbies such as cars or movies and so on.
Colour is also an important and often underrated aspect that can be utilised to great advantage when using the computer. Think about your latest choices of desktop background. Have they predominantly been a particular colour or particular shade such as bright, pastel or neutral colours? By considering your choices you can start to consciously choose different colours for different effects and benefits.
Making your desktop background work for you
On the most basic level you can choose desktop images and/or colours that reflect your personality so that you have a nice greeting when you turn your computer on each day. If you want to promote particular moods you can intentionally change the colour or image to match your intentions. You'll find many desktop backgrounds particularly associated with nature, appealing colours and inspirational messages on our Free Stuff page which promote positive feelings and a sense of relaxation.
Look at the colours above. Which colour appeals most to you right now? It is likely that you are in need of this colour so it would be a good choice to start with. Reassess the colour you are drawn most to every so often to see if it is time to benefit from other colour qualities.
You can also set your desktop background to a colour that will work to support the type of computer work you are doing. For example, if you have business-related tasks to do that require concentration and clear thought, setting your desktop colour to yellow or using a picture that is predominantly yellow will help your concentration and mental clarity. If you find you get mental blocks while doing your work, minimise any open windows and take a few moments to look at your desktop colour.
Yellow is also ideal for studying and communication - if you have a lot of emails to deal with for example.
If you are a designer or do other creative work on your computer, orange will help with your creativity while purples and indigo can help your intuition.
If you play a lot of computer games, using a green background might help you maintain some balance in the amount of time you are on the computer.
For headaches that come from looking at the computer monitor for too long, a nice sky blue will be calming and relaxing.
Creating a Personalised Colour Therapy Screensaver
For a maximum colour treatment you can create your own colour therapy screen saver so it changes through several colours or colour images that relate to each of the seven main colours in the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet). Our bodies need all of these colours in balance to achieve optimum health. Alternatively you can concentrate your screen saver on one particular colour or range of colours according to the benefits you want or need.
The simplest way to do this if you have Windows XP (not sure of other versions have this option) is to go into My Pictures and create a folder called 'Colour Therapy' or something similar. Find a selection of images which are predominantly in the rainbow colours and move them to that folder. Just make sure any images you save from websites are copyright free or okay for personal use. You might also use your own photos. A good way to get photos with predominantly one colour is to take close-up photos of flowers, green grass or leaves, a red letterbox, and so on - this might just spark off some additional creativity on your life as a hidden benefit!
Now that you have your images, go into Control Panel and click on 'Display'. Select the 'Screen Saver' tab at the top. In the drop-down box, select 'My Pictures Slideshow'. Click the 'Settings' button so that you can set the file path to the pictures you want to use - click the 'Browse' button to locate your 'Colour Therapy' folder (or whatever you named it). Adjust any other display settings as you'd like them, including how often the pictures will change and their size. Click 'Ok'. You can then adjust the length of time to wait until the screen saver comes on before hitting 'Apply' and 'Ok' to close the Display Properties box. You're done!
If you would like to be able to turn on your screen saver any time you need to create a shortcut to the screen saver on your desktop. To do this, go to 'Start', 'Search', choose 'Files & Folders' and enter the filename ssmypics.scr. When the file is located, right-click on it, go to 'Send To' and click 'Desktop' to create the shortcut. Start your screen saver whenever you need a bit of colour therapy.
As you look at each colour, visualise it being absorbed into your body...breathe it in...letting the colour wash over you.
Bringing colour into your computer workspace
So far we've looked at desktop colours, images and screensavers as ways to incorporate colour into your computer time. If you find that you just don't get opportunities to look at your desktop or a screen saver, you can decorate your computer surrounds with appropriate colours. Using the colour information already given, you can use the following ideas to add your chosen colour/s to your workspace:
- Add a vase of flowers in your chosen colours and place next to your computer.
- Add colour to furnishings in the room such as cushions, curtains, chairs, rugs, etc.
- Place a crystal in the colour/s of your choice next to your computer and hold them (or place in your pocket if you need to type) whenever you need the effect of a particular colour. (Look at the articles on Crystal & Gemstones and Chakras for more information on crystals, colour and chakras)
- Place some potted plants in your study or workspace for greenery which is balancing with the added effect of particular coloured flowers if you choose. The plants will also help to neutralise the electromagnetic radiation from the electrical equipment so the air is fresher and cleaner.
- Create a colour therapy resource for yourself by getting a sheet of coloured A4 cardboard in each of the seven colours. You could punch a hole in the corner to link them together, create a flip-chart, or just store them in a plastic sleeve and place the one you need at the front. Look at the card for a few minutes whenever you need to.
- Incorporate artworks in your chosen colours to the walls and/or picture frames on your desk. Why not have a go at creating some yourself and benefit from some Art Therapy too?
So put your computer and study/work area to work for you and bring a little colour into your life today!