Colours of the rainbow influence hue you can be
Red and yellow and pink and green… Yes, singing a rainbow is all well and good, but wouldn’t you rather understand it and use it to your advantage?
Studies have shown colour affects not only mood, but appetite, energy levels, blood pressure, metabolism, body clock and even aggression, so harnessing the powers of the colours around you could lead to a better body and happier mind.
Colour therapy — using colour to balance a person’s energy, either physically, mentally or emotionally — can be used to treat a spectrum of ailments, from stress to insomnia, as well as unearth hidden strengths. Each colour of the rainbow corresponds to one of our seven main “chakras” (energy centres) in the body.
Colour expert Suzy Chiazzari suggests how you can make colours in your everyday life work harder for you.
A colour of power, passion, vitality and confidence, red light has been shown to increase muscle strength by 13.5%. “Red warms and energises the body, and increases the pulse and circulation, making us want to move around more,” says Suzy. It could even make you a winner. ! Studies have shown that the red football shirt is associated with long-term team success.
To boost your performance, colour therapist Kathryn Roberts suggests adding red to your workout kit. “It’ll bring enthusiasm, determination and confidence,” she says. “It’s particularly effective if you need short, quick bursts of energy.”
Orange is linked to passion, pleasure, fun and vibrancy. It stimulates emotions, enhances your mood and gives a feeling of overall wellbeing. It also increases appetite and encourages digestion.
“Enjoy a massage with sweet orange essential oil to reduce fatigue and soothe aching muscles,” suggests Suzy.
“Yellow is the colour of happiness, imagination, laughter and willpower,” says Kathryn. It also stimulates the mind and makes us more alert.
Suzy explains that yellow is a memory aid, so you should use a yellow pad when studying. “Yellow will help you get organised and set goals,” she says. “It can also be used for team-building,” Kathryn adds.
Associated with harmony, renewal, freshness, growth and peace, green relieves stress and balances your body. “It’s a prominent colour in nature,” says Kathryn, “so it’s restorative, both psychologically and holistically.” It’s also the “central balance colour” between the extremes of “magnetic” red, orange and yellow (denoting heat and joy) and “electric” blue and purple (bringing a calming effect).
“Green is an excellent colour for a yoga mat.” Kathryn says. “Also, try swapping your treadmill for a cross-country run once a week, where you’ll soak up lots of natural green, and see what difference it can make.”
The hue of a peaceful sky, blue is associated with quiet confidence, compassion and introspection. “It helps to calm the mind and it relaxes the body,” says Suzy.
“Using a blue ice pack can bring extra soothing to tired feet or even reduce the recovery time for bruises and sprains,” says Kathryn. She also explains that it’s a good colour to wear during endurance training or long-distance running as it will promote slow and steady energy release. On a more chilled-out note, Suzy says, “Blue in the bedroom will help you enjoy deep sleep.”
“Purple balances and harmonises the brain, central nervous system and spine, which aids mind-body coordination,” says Suzy. Need to assert some authority at work? Try wearing purple. “It’s considered a regal colour, so wearing it can give you the air of being in charge,” says Kathryn. “It could even give you the edge in a competitive setting.” It can also encourage creativity.
Given its power to inspire, it is ideal if you“re suffering a mental block. “Incorporating purple into your environment might help you get that book written,” muses Kathryn. Add violet candles or a vase of lavender to get those creative juices flowing.
Pink is associated with femininity, softness, love and caring qualities — and embodies the milder qualities of red. “It gently warms and relaxes the muscles,” says Suzy.
“Try wearing pink if you want to exude a caring energy,” suggests Kathryn.
A darker version of orange, “Brown is the colour of stamina and patience,” says Kathryn. “It“s linked to dependability and to being conservative.” Strangely it can also make us feel protected and safe because of its associations with nature.
Use brown crockery to inspire these positive, steadfast feelings. Eating cereal from a brown bowl first thing in the morning will set you up for a productive day.
People who are drawn to this colour are seen as reliable and hard-working. “It’s often worn as a uniform,” says Kathryn, “and is useful if you want to slip into the background to get on with the task in hand.”
Given its associations with hard work and trustworthiness, “Grey is a very good choice of colour to wear to a job interview,” advises Kathryn.
“White contains all the rainbow colours so could be thought to hold all potential,” explains Suzy. “It can indicate flexibility of body and mind.” It’s also symbolic of purity, calm and freshness, and can have a very healing and peaceful effect.
“Decorating your bedroom in shades of white and cream can create a restful space,” says Kathryn.
“Black is often thought of as a chic, understated and dignified colour,” says Kathryn. It can also represent power.
Black jewellery makes a bold statement and can help you stand out from the crowd.
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