The Vibrant Science of Colour: Boosting Dopamine Through Colour and Vertical Play
In the realm of child development, the concept of play is often confined to horizontal planes—think floors and tabletops. However, a shift in perspective—quite literally—can open up a new dimension of benefits. Vertical play, which can include our beautiful Maynetic "whiteboards", not only enhances motor skills and cognitive development but also intertwines with the vibrant science of colour to boost dopamine levels, contributing to a happier, more engaged learning experience. We discuss these benefits in our previous bogs, here and here
The Uplifting Power of Vertical Play
Playing on vertical surfaces like magnetic boards encourages children to stand, reach, and move. This simple change in orientation promotes increased muscle engagement, improved pencil grasp, and core strengthening. It challenges balance and coordination, fostering an environment where children can thrive physically while they explore and learn.
Colour: A Spectrum of Benefits
The influence of color on the human brain is profound. Specific colors can stimulate or calm the mind, affecting everything from mood to heart rate. When it comes to learning and play, incorporating a palette of colors can be particularly impactful. For instance, the colour blue is known to promote productivity and calmness, while red can energise and increase attention to detail.
Dopamine: The Hue of Happiness
Dopamine, often referred to as the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role in how we experience pleasure and reward. Intriguingly, research suggests that there is a connection between color perception and dopamine levels. Higher levels of dopamine may enhance our ability to identify colours more accurately, which in turn can influence our overall sense of well-being.
Neurodiversity and the Colour-Dopamine Nexus
The interplay between color, dopamine, and neurodiversity is especially noteworthy. Neurodiverse individuals, who may experience the world differently due to conditions such as ADHD or autism, can benefit from environments that are rich in color. These environments can help regulate dopamine levels, potentially improving focus, mood, and learning outcomes.
The fusion of vertical play on magnetic surfaces with the science of color offers a multi-dimensional approach to learning and development. By understanding and harnessing the power of colour to influence dopamine levels, educators and parents can create environments that not only support physical and cognitive growth but also foster a sense of joy and well-being in children, including those with neurodiverse profiles.
References
- (2017). Here’s How Colours Really Affect Our Brain And Body, According to Science. www.sciencealert.com/here-s-how-colours-really-affect-our-brain-and-body-according-to-science
- Psychology Today. (2023). How Colors Affect Brain Functioning. www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-babble/201504/the-color-psychology-marketing-and-branding
- (2015). Dopamine and Colors: Happy People Identify Colors More Accurately. www.newseveryday.com/articles/565/20150911/dopamine-levels-could-influence-a-persons-decision-making.htm
- The Guardian. (2015). Blue moods may be connected to our perception of the colour. theguardian.com/science/2015/mar/29/brain-science-colour-processing-sight-evolution
- Maynetic (n.d.). Why Children Should Work on Vertical Surfaces. https://maynetic.com/blogs/news/why-children-should-work-on-vertical-surfaces
- Maynetic (n.d.). 6 Compelling reasons to Introduce Vertical Play in Early Childhood. https://maynetic.com/blogs/news/10-reasons-to-provide-children-with-vertical-play-opportunities
- The Conversation. (2023). Dopamine is a brain chemical famously linked to mood and pleasure − but researchers have found multiple types of dopamine neurons with different functions. theconversation.com/dopamine-is-a-brain-chemical-famously-linked-to-mood-and-pleasure-but-researchers-have-found-multiple-types-of-dopamine-neurons-with-different-functions-154387
- Psychology Today Australia. (2021). Is There a Link Between Neurodiversity and Mental Health? psychologytoday.com/au/blog/neurodiverse-age/202103/is-there-link-between-neurodiversity-and-mental-health
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