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Colour Confidence

COLOUR: it touches every aspect of our lives, from the food that we eat to the language we use.  We see red and feel blue and even struggle with black moods, but few of us give colour the consideration it merits.  However, for those who follow the principles of colour therapy, colour can be a powerful tool. 

The proponents of this ancient treatment believe that simply by choosing appropriate colours with which to decorate our homes or feed and clothe ourselves we can improve our mood and enhance our lifestyle.  Too good to be true?  Perhaps, but many claim to have benefited from this therapy.   

In this article, I’ll be taking a brief look at the claims made for seven of our more popular colours, starting with the colour red.   

RED is a passionate, fiery colour.  Stimulating, exciting and energising, red is said to increase leadership qualities and boost confidence.  So, the next time you’re going for that all-important interview, wear a little bit of red!  

When decorating, red can be particularly useful when used in the bedroom as red is said to enhance your love life and reduce inhibitions.  But, beware - too much red will lead to restless nights and insomnia! 

Red can also be used to good effect in any area of the house where a lot of physical activity is required such as a gym or exercise room.  In these areas red is believed to enhance energy levels and increase physical and mental strength.   

Feeling tired?  Red foods, such as strawberries, peppers and tomatoes, are said to restore energy and vitality to a tired body making them the perfect pick-me-ups for any time of the day.        

ORANGE is a vibrant, sociable colour.  Said to increase feelings of joy and enthusiasm it is also believed to give strength in the face of adversity - perfect if you’re about to ask the boss for a pay rise! 

Orange is also believed to encourage friendships and sociability - characteristics which make it extremely suitable for decorating porches or entrance halls.  But, beware - orange is also the colour of change so use it sparingly unless you want to move house!

Orange foods, such as carrots, oranges or apricots are said to aid the absorption of vitamins and minerals from our food making them a useful ally in our quest for health.

YELLOW is the most cerebral of colours.  Believed to open our minds to new ideas it is also said to boost positive thoughts and encourage logical thinking.  However, it is also said that yellow encourages efficient working practices.  So, the next time you decorate the kitchen, choose yellow - you might just find yourself transformed into the next Nigella (or Jamie!).                         

Yellow foods such as bananas, sweetcorn or melon are said to dispel depression and stimulate our sense of humour…it’s worth a try!

GREEN is the colour of harmony and balance.  Believed to promote feelings of compassion, sympathy and understanding it is the perfect colour for those associated with the healing professions.   

However, if you’re planning to redecorate the office, choose green.  Green is said to promote abundance, be it of work or money.  Believed to encourage a healthy attitude towards our employment, green can also help us to maintain a sensible balance between work and play. 

Feeling listless?  Green foods such as lettuce, peas and apples, are said to assist the body with detoxification so, the next time you’ve over-indulged, eat green!

BLUE is the colour of creativity, relaxation and healing.  However, it is also believed to instil feelings of tranquility, trust and harmony - perfect qualities for healers or those connected with alternative therapies.     

Choose blue when decorating a study, studio or workshop as it is reputed to have the ability to release the mind and aid the imagination.  However, it is not recommended for use in playrooms, exercise rooms or gyms - the restful, calming effect of this colour is not conducive to physical activity! 

Blue foods, such as blueberries, are said to restore balance to a glutted constitution.  This characteristic makes blue food particularly useful during times of excess such as holidays, Christmas and parties.

INDIGO is the colour of intuition and devotion.  Believed to reveal that which is hidden, indigo is said to inspire us in our search for higher knowledge.  Also said to be the colour of stillness and quiet, indigo is the perfect choice for decorating libraries or any room in which meditation is practiced.

Indigo foods, such as grapes, are believed to provide a sustained source of energy and stamina.  So, the next time you’re embarking on some retail therapy, eat indigo!

PURPLE is the colour most closely linked to spirituality.  Associated with psychics, healers and spiritualists, it is said to protect and enlighten.  Purple is also closely linked, even in our modern minds, with luxury.  So, if you need a little bit of pampering, think purple.

When decorating, use purple anywhere you need to create a haven of calm, a space far from the hustle and bustle of modern life, as purple is believed to instil feelings of tranquility and peacefulness.  

Purple foods, such as aubergines, are said to strengthen our resolution prior to confronting difficult situations.  Also reputed to have a purifying effect upon the body, purple is believed to be particularly effective in combating the effects of overindulgence.  So, next time you’re having a party remember to stock up on purple foods to eliminate that “morning after” feeling!

And so concludes this brief look at seven of our key colours.  But, does colour therapy work?  Well, each individual must establish that for themselves.  However, if I can enhance my life simply by wearing a particular colour of scarf, or by the judicious placing of some appropriately coloured accessories within a room then maybe I’ll be converted!

by Ruth Ainley