subject: Colors...how They Affect Our Mood [print this page] Color therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is an ancient healing art that has been practiced in parts of the Far East for millennia. We all know that certain colors just seem to resonate with certain feelings. That's because each color vibrates at a certain frequency just as our moods do. Think about it, the idea of chromotherapy is even part of our language. I'm sure you've heard folks say things like someone's "green with envy," or "seeing red." Just turn on the radio; there's always someone crooning about feeling blue" and when the holiday season approaches, "Having a blue Christmas."
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For instance, red stimulates the appetite. Dress your dining room in red and your guests will be salivating over their meals. You may now begin to notice that many restaurants have lots of red dcor. Blue, black, and purple have the opposite effect on the appetite so, if you've got those colors in your dining area, you might want to change that unless you're looking to lose a few pounds!
Here are just of the some other ways colors affect our lives:
Red stimulates our hearts to beat faster and increases our respiration making it a great color to wear to run a marathon! Red is considered a power color and is a good wardrobe choice in situations where you are in authority. It's also the color associated with romance and therefore is the perfect color to wear to attract a mate or excite the one you have!
Blue is a calming color making it great for bedrooms, meditation rooms, or anywhere you are looking to create a tranquil space. A blue outfit is a great color to wear for job interviews and in negotiations as blue is said to entice a feeling of loyalty. Blue is not the color to wear if well, you're feeling blue. Look to good old sunny yellow for that!
Yellow is considered to be a very healing color as well as a mood booster. Just think of how happy you would feel sitting in field full of bright yellow daisies! Brighten up the room with yellow accents and yellow flowers! Even just wearing bright yellow clothing when you are feeling blue can brighten even the dreariest of days! I wear my favorite yellow sweater when the skies are grey and it honestly does boost my mood.
Green is the color of spring, nature, rebirth, and new beginnings. It is also considered a friendly color making it a perfect choice for the first day on a new job, when speaking in front of a group, for medical personnel, and of course, to make new friends.
Certain tones and color mixtures can take on a whole new meaning. Hunter green is a far more serious color than a fun and sunny yellow-green. Orange, a mix of red and yellow has the energy of say a toned down red. Wear orange for yoga or a brisk walk as opposed to red for a more intense workout. Pink, a combination of white (associated with purity and goodness) and red denotes a feeling of innocence.
Whether you are looking to spice up your love life or create a certain feeling in your home, color therapy is a fun tool to create the right energy and the right mood.
