The Meaning Of Colours
MINDSET
Written by Rachel Mehaffey
How you can use colours to influence your life
’Somewhere over the rainbow…..’’
Insert excellent harmony and see all prismatic colours of the rainbow flooding in. Nothing like a dramatic entrance! But seriously I wanted to talk more about colours and specifically colours and healing - I promise there is method in my madness.
Colours play a significant role in our lives, impacting our emotions, behaviour, and mood in so many different ways. They are not just different shades on the spectrum of light or a compliment to the skin tone. Colours have an energetic link to our feelings and emotions with a direct link to our chakras.
Whether it's the colour of our clothes, the paint on our walls, or the branding of our favourite products, the colours we surround ourselves with can have a profound effect on our well-being and can be used as tools to direct where we need to heal over most. Specifically I want to talk in this post about the psychological effects of colours, colour symbolism, and the role of colour in marketing and advertising. Exactly how are we influenced to feel, buy or connect based on colours and why do we gravitate for comfort and calm.
So how do colours impact our emotions and behaviour?
Imagine the tranquil picture painted on an inner west wall of the bondi sea. All the blues and greens of the ocean, the calm undersurface calamity a juxtaposition to the urban jungle. Irrespective of its setting the blue elicits calm, often associated with tranquillity, stability, and trustworthiness. Well blue as a colour has a physiological effect. Research has shown that blue can lower blood pressure and slow down our heart rate, making us feel more relaxed.
Now look to its apparent opposite and use the colour red. Imagine a cascading Red Poppy Field, in the fields of France painting spring into summertime. These fields are covered in vibrant red poppies, creating a stunning and invigorating sight. The red poppies symbolise vitality, energy, passion and excitement. It's a powerful colour that can increase our heart rate and blood pressure, making us feel more alert and energised.
The message is colours directly affect our mood. Warm colours like yellow and orange promote feelings of happiness and positivity. Similarly, cool colours like green and purple can create a sense of tranquillity and peacefulness. By understanding the psychological effects of colours, we can use them to our advantage, creating environments that promote relaxation, productivity, or creativity.
Personally I used the completely wrong colour approach for my new born little lady some 13 years ago when I stuck a plethora of coloured bubble stickers all vibrant shades running across the ceiling and down her bright pink walls. Simulus - great. Sleep would have been better!
Symbolism
What we associate with a colour is often an impact on how we feel or externally label that thing. Different cultures for example associate colours with different meanings and emotions. For instance, in Western cultures, white is often associated with purity and innocence, while in some Asian cultures, it's associated with mourning and funerals. Then look at the gender categorization of pink and blue. We as a society have aligned colour a meaning which draws an automatic autonomic response. Powerful stuff.
We are influenced by colours too! One of the greatest uses of colour influence is seen in marketing and product placement. Think about a company logo or a skin product box .. the colours have not been picked at random in fact they are used strategically to evoke certain emotions or associations. Red is often used to promote sales and urgency, while green is associated with eco-friendliness and health. Purple is aligned to healthcare brands time and time again. By using colour psychology in marketing, companies can influence our purchasing decisions and create brand recognition.
It's being used on us so how do we use it ourselves?
If you're looking to incorporate colour psychology into your daily life the simplest way is by surrounding yourself with colours that promote the emotions or moods you desire. Consider the colours of your clothes, the decor in your home, and even the food you eat. By being mindful of the colours you choose, you can create an environment that promotes relaxation, productivity, or creativity.
I've always been drawn to crazy and varying hair colours. As a natural blonde I decided at the ripe old age of 14 jet back would be a good call and it has never really stopped from there. I am not confident to say I knew I was using colours as a form of expression and energetic channeling but there was something in it for me. I have always found myself with all the colours of the rainbow on my head and now I know the therapy behind it, it makes far more sense.
As a parent the observation of colour selection is a particularly powerful tool in observation of our children. What colours are they drawn to? Observing the colours children gravitate towards can provide valuable insights into their emotions and feelings. By paying attention to the colours that children are drawn to and use in their artwork, clothing, and surroundings, parents and caregivers can gain a better understanding of their child's emotional state and provide them with the appropriate support and guidance. This can be a valuable tool in helping children express and regulate their emotions, as well as fostering a deeper connection and understanding between parent and child.
Side note: as a teenager who painted every wall in her bedroom a different colour and the skirting boards different again, not really sure what part of my person my parents could have been expected to read!
So what am i trying to say?
Colours have a significant impact on our emotions, behaviour, and mood. By understanding the psychological effects of colours, we can use them to our advantage in designing our surroundings and promoting our well-being. Whether it's through chromotherapy or simply being mindful of the colours we surround ourselves with, there are many ways to use colour psychology to enhance our lives.
Keep it simple -Sugar
Rach xx
Here are a few of my favourite colour integrations
Hey, I'm Rach. I'm a Life Coach, Podcaster, Digital Course Creator, Writer, Educator, Single Mum & Science Nerd.
I started coaching for interest sake then lest my 20 year Big Corporate Gig to make it my life's work. Now I'm helping people all over the globe with mindset & teaching how to access the life you want.
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