Be a Winner, Wear More Red

Wear More Red, Be a Winner

In order to raise awareness of women's heart disease, the American Heart Association has designated February 3rd National Wear Red Day. Heart disease remains the number one killer of women in the United States, but those numbers can be reduced through increased awareness of heart attack and stroke warning signs. In celebration of National Wear Red Day, here are a few more reasons to wear red.


From an evolutionary standpoint, it turns out the color red is basically a testosterone-charged symbol of macho manliness [1]. And studies suggest that since the brain associates red with threat and danger, wearing the color can both inspire confidence in those who wear it and send their opponents scrambling [2]. So get ready to harness the power of the rojo.

Get Red(y) — The Takeaway

As visual and social creatures, we use the color red to communicate our emotions (blushing at a compliment) and as a signal to gauge our reactions (stay away from fire!). As a symbol of danger, red enhances motor function, likely to prepare the body for possible attack [2]. Studies suggest seeing red causes a short increase in speed and strength, supporting the notion that the brain associates the color with a need for physical readiness.

However, red might actually psyche out humans on the playing field, too. The same studies suggest any energy boost gained from seeing read would be short-lived, and exposure to the color can be counterproductive for skilled motor tasks like team sports. This supports the notion that sports teams who wear red have a greater likelihood of winning (or even bi-winning) [4]. When it comes to mental tasks, because red is likely associated with danger and failure (think back to those exams gloriously covered in red ink), people often perform worse on tests after seeing it. There's even evidence that because red inspires caution in those who see it, people will eat less when food is served on a red plate as opposed to a more neutral colored plate [5].

Still not on Team Red? Wearing red can also reinforce feelings of dominance and increase self-confidence, increasing motivation to work toward success. So hey, wearing a bit of eye-popping rouge could catch the eye of that special someone!

The Tip

Wear more red to stay ahead of the competition thanks to its effect on the brain.



Source: http://greatist.com/happiness/wear-more-red-be-winner