In these last weeks of Winter, the dark, snowy, and rainy days can really make us feel depressed and go stir crazy.  One of the ways in which to combat these feelings can be through the use of color.   Science tells us that the colors we see in our environment including what we wear and the hues of light around us are all absorbed by our bodies and interpreted by our brains and produce certain feelings in us.

According to Wikipedia, “The science of color, called chromatics, includes the perception of color by the human eye and brain.”  For centuries, the science behind color and its impact on human beings has been studied.  Thousands of years ago, the Egyptians bathed in “healing temples of light… in specific colors.”  Now scientists have proven that even “a blindfolded person will experience physiological reactions under different colored rays.”  Neuropsychologist, Kurt Goldstein stated, “It is probably not a false statement to say that a specific color stimulation is accompanied by a specific response pattern of the entire organism”  meaning, the colors around us are seen and sensed by our bodies and minds and create different moods and attitudes.

The following is a passage from my book Boot Camp for the Broken-Hearted: How to Survive (and Be Happy) In the Jungle of Love. It describes how each of us can help to control our moods through the use of color:

It has been said that colors can affect our moods and energy levels.  One tip experts say can help us feel better on our “down” days is to choose a great color.  If you notice, offices are usually painted in soothing colors with a hint of something bright here and there to spark creativity, while prisons are usually painted beige or gray to keep prisoners subdued and low-key.

The list below shows the generally accepted relationships between color and mood.  It may also be true, however, that your own interpretation will determine which colors produce a certain mood in you.  It’s all in the eye of the beholder.  Use this model as a guideline to help you determine which color will help you to attain your desired mood or figure out why you may be feeling upset or low, then adjust your color choices accordingly.

Red:  Passion and Energy – increases blood pressure and heart rate; can produces feelings of intimacy, stimulates the appetite.

Blue: Peacefulness and Tranquility – soothing; slows pulse rate; can lull us to sleep; can also suppress the appetite.

Green: Calming and Refreshing – the dominant color in nature; promotes healing.

Yellow: Cheerful and Fun – grabs attention; represents joy and imagination.

Orange: Warm and Friendly – less dramatic and passionate.

Purple/Violet: Romantic (and feminine) – considered an exotic color; represents royalty, spirituality and wisdom.

Brown/Beige: Natural (and manly) – can bring on sad and wistful feelings.

Gray: Gloomy – represents solid strength and longevity; can bring back bad memories.

Black: Intense and Stressed (absence of color) – represents power and authority; thought of as stylish and timeless.

White: Pure (absence of color) – represents cleanliness and innocence.

Keep in mind that soon, the sun will be more visible, the trees and flowers will bloom, and the all the colors of nature will once again help us to regain a more easy and upbeat attitude.  Until then, try to maintain a positive outlook by surrounding yourself with the colors that make you feel happy, healthy, and peaceful.

Audrey Valeriani is an award-winning author, coach, freelance writer, consultant, and former board chair of Self Esteem Boston Educational Institute, Inc.  Her book Boot Camp for the Broken-Hearted: How to Survive (and Be Happy) in the Jungle of Love (New Horizon Press) is about self-esteem and relationships and is available at all major booksellers.

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