Colors You Wear Can Alter Your Mood

The world is filled with colors all around us, from the blues and greens in the oceans to the beautiful flowers and trees. We often choose colors in our homes because they make us feel a certain way but fail to put much thought into the colors of our wardrobes. The clothing we wear can affect our mood, so let’s making good choices!

Physical and Emotional Awareness

On a subconscious level we choose colors according to the way we feel. Even if we don’t like a certain color, we can change the way we feel by choosing a different color. This is so because certain colors have a great impact on our physical body and emotional state.

Some have found that color is one of the most important keys to relaxation. Since 75% or more of illnesses are the result of stress, relaxation plays a huge role in disease prevention. In his book Color and Light in Man-Made Environments, author Frank H. Mahnke notes: “People subjected to visual under-stimulation showed symptoms of restlessness, excessive emotional response, difficulty in concentration, irritation, and, in some cases, a variety of more extreme reactions.”

Researcher Robert Gerard experimented by flashing red, blue, and white lights at test subjects. When the subjects looked at the red light, their blood pressure, breathing rates, and the amount of sweat on palms all increased, as did the frequency of eye blinks. When the subjects looked at the blue light, blood pressure dropped, as did the amount of eye blinks and breathing. Gerard found that colors with longer wavelengths (the warm colors: red, yellow and orange) hype us up, while shorter wavelengths (cooler colors like blue, purple and green) calm us down.

Basic Color Association

Blue

Because blue is peaceful and tranquil, it causes the body to produce calming chemicals and is often used in bedrooms. It is believed to slow down metabolic activity. Blue can also be cold and depressing or pain relieving. Blue enhances clear thinking, diligence and organization which is why people are more productive in blue rooms.

Red

Red is an emotionally intense color. It stimulates the heart to beat faster and breathing to increase. Red also increases metabolic activity. People associate red as the color of love. Interior decorators say that red attracts attention. Generosity, self-motivation, and leadership are some qualities of the color red.

Green

Green is a popular color because it symbolizes nature and is the universal healing color. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. It is a calming, nourishing, refreshing color. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients. People waiting to appear on television often sit in ‘green rooms’ to relax. Clear perception, self- recognition, and compassion are associated with green.

Yellow

Although yellow is considered an optimistic color, most people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. This is because yellow is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration and speeds metabolism. Observation and communication are some attributes of yellow.

Black

Black is the color of authority and power. Black also implies submission. It’s popular because it makes people appear thinner. Black outfits can also be overpowering or make the wearer seem aloof. The advantage of black is it’s not an attention getter and for people who are introverts the color can be comforting. The qualities of black include self-sufficiency, individualism, and protection.

White

White is associated with light. As such, it is often linked to goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. When used with intention, white can represent a successful beginning. Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity.

Purple

Purple has long been associated with royalty. It strongly symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and ambition. It conveys wealth and sometimes hints at extravagance. Purple is also associated with wisdom, dignity, and independence. It is a powerful color in enhancing creativity and mystery.