The winter months can be tough, right? The days can feel sluggish, the fun of Christmas behind us and decorations starting to come down. Although we've now passed the shortest day of the year, it's still getting dark early and with the temperatures being so low there can be an overall feeling of grey on those cloudy days. There's limited sunlight and an overall comparative lack of colour when out in nature with trees bear of their leaves. Is it any wonder why we can be feeling a bit gloomy?
However.... we can cleverly use the power of colours to help shift and boost our mood and give ourselves a little boost of dopamine by injecting as much or as little colour as we feel necessary.
The psychology of colour is something I always discuss when doing a colour analysis as there is actual science behind it. And if you know me, you know I like some solid facts behind stuff! Colour therapy (aka chromatherapy) has been shown to improve stress levels, decrease pain, improve sleep quality and sharpen focus. It can truly impact how we feel and when you discover the associations various colours have it seems obvious and really makes sense that some can boost our mood. If you'd like to read more Calm have written an interesting piece about colour therapy.
You've previously heard me discuss the fact that colours can be warm or cool. Generally speaking the warm colours are red, yellow and orange whilst the cool colours are blue, green and purple. The warmer colours evoke feelings of the sun and heat which helps with feelings of coziness and energy, which might be exactly what you need around now.
Contrasting this are the cool colours and although they won't evoke feelings of warmth they will promote a sense of calmness and tranquility which can be soothing.
So here are a few associations to think about in these gloomy months to boost your mood:
Blue - think of the ocean, the right shade of blue can evoke calmness and serenity.
Green - again thinking in terms of nature symbols growth and renewal.
Yellow - the right shade of yellow can provide feelings of warmth and optimism.
Pink - is associated with playfulness but also creativity.
Orange - unsurprisingly exudes energy and vitality.
What I would say for these is it can be important to get the right shade of these colours. For instance, a pastel grey-blue might not be as effective on your mood as a rich, soft blue (such as the cornflower blue below). Notice how colours are making you feel and if they are giving you the boost you're craving.
Although I'm primarily concerned with clothing, surrounding yourself with these colours doesn't apply to just what you're wearing. This might be a scarf you like to throw on, it could be a candle you have in your lounge that just gives you a lift when you see it or a statement ring that catches your eye now and again. There are plenty of other ways such as painting or choosing a colourful bath bomb but let's be honest, those are a bit more time consuming!
If these bold colours all sound a bit too much remember that you can incorporate as much or as little colour as feels right for you. Winter is a time to hunker down, recalibrate and prepare for the coming Spring months so there will be days when you only feel like wearing greys, blacks or whites and that's perfectly ok. These shades may feel reflective of your mood and what you need in that moment. This is a form of self compassion and may be just what you need to do in listening to yourself.
If this scenario sounds like you, I'd suggest focusing on your jewellery. Did you know it is thought are obsession with shiny jewellery is an evolutionary thing where humans were naturally attracted to reflective objects as it could be indicative of water? Isn't that fascinating? Anyway, without going off topic (!) a piece of jewellery like a silver pendant or statement earrings might be enough of a step in elevating your outfit and giving your mood the boost it needs. Give it a try.
I hope this has given you a few ideas for the coming months and things to try or be aware of if you're feeling your mood needs a boost. If you're wanting to get more into the specifics of your colour palette, I'd love to help you by doing a colour analysis with you. It can truly make a difference to how you dress, how others perceive you and give you that boost in body confidence you've been needing.
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