Colour Therapy: How it Improves Mental Health

In light of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, we are looking at colour therapy and how it can improve your mental health at home. Colour therapy, also known as chromotherapy, uses the benefits of colour and shades to improve mental wellbeing. In principle, colour therapy uses the energy of each tone to improve a range of mental health issues. These can vary from depression and anxiety to a lack of confidence and even insomnia.

In this article, we will address the benefits of each colour and where you could use them in your home. From the joy-boosting effects of orange to the calming influences of blue, there are many ways you can use colour to improve your mental wellbeing at home.

Orange to stimulate joy

Mural in photo: Fall Birches

Orange is said to rebalance joy so it is perfect for anyone who is feeling low. So for those who want to remain optimistic, orange is the colour to choose. Or if you are facing difficult decisions, orange is said to bring you wisdom making it a good colour choice for a home office.

Just like a beautiful sunset, orange should mostly be used to help you chase away sadness and bring you warmth and contentment. Simply embrace orange in a room that you spend a lot of time in. This could be the kitchen, home office or even a living room.

Purple to inspire creativity

Mural in photo: Heron Habitat

Purple is the perfect shade for a home office because of how it stimulates feelings of inspiration, calm and creativity. All are three factors that are needed in most job roles!

As well as this, indigo shades are good for physical problems with the nose, ears and eyes, and can help to relax the nervous system and muscles. Are you unsure what colour to use in your meditation/yoga room? Purple is your answer for all of these beneficial qualities.

Yellow to drive confidence and happiness

Mural in photo: Grey and Mustard Watercolour

Another perfect shade for happiness and confidence is yellow. So if you can’t seem to get out of a dark period, decorating your home or simply wearing a yellow t-shirt could help.

Yellow drives clarity which could help to cut through all your negative thoughts and highlight the positives in your life. This is why this shade is ideal for someone facing a difficult time in their life or those who have been met with a new challenge.

As well as helping mental health, yellow is linked to the skin and tissues, especially the digestive and nervous systems. It can also be used to treat asthma, bronchitis and help with skin problems.

Green to ground you and combat anxiety

Mural in photo: Emerald Hills

Do you want to feel grounded? Then green is the colour to choose. Life can sometimes be extremely hectic. To help, choose green surroundings to feel grounded. A reflection of forests, grass and leaves, green can combat anxiety and promote balance, harmony and self-love.

This is why forest bathing has become a highly recommended remedy for those experiencing stress. By surrounding yourself in a green environment you are allowing yourself to simply “be.” This helps towards positive mindfulness, stress reduction and can even increase immunity levels.

Red to re-energize

Mural in photo: Bright Summer Florals

Red is the colour to choose if you want to get up and go! Perfect for those who lack physical energy, courage and confidence, red will give you the power to grab life with both hands.

Red could be helpful for those who need a boost of confidence. Ideal for those wanting to ask for their next pay rise, tell someone how they feel or simply to help make everyday decisions. Red tones are also linked to blood, breathing and circulation and are believed to slightly raise your pulse and quicken your breathing as well. This is especially true with coloured light where red makes the heart beat faster.

Because the colour red is full of energy, we recommend using it in sociable areas such as a living room or kitchen. With red tones in the room, your guests will feel ready for some fun!

Blue to calm and heal the pain

Mural in photo: Bountiful Blue Fields

If you are suffering from depression, stress or even pain, blue is the colour to choose. This is because blue is a relaxing shade that is reflective of the sea and sky. It encourages a sense of calm and will help to declutter a busy mind. As well as improving mental health, it is said that blue can help to treat stomach and muscle pain as well as colds, tension, stress and headaches. Not only this, but blue can be a blessing for those with insomnia. Said to be a sedative colour, it may be helpful for anyone with a sleeping disorder.

Because of the calming influences of blue, we recommend using it in a bedroom. It is perfect for using in a relaxing master bedroom or for making family and friends feel zen in your guest bedroom.

Pink for affection and compassion

Mural in photo: Pink Jungle

A colour which is perfect for self-love is pink. This shade is a sign of affection and compassion which is why pink flowers are often chosen to give someone you love.

To make sure you are promoting your own self-love, use pink in your lifestyle. This will remind yourself how important it is to be compassionate and kind, not only to others, but to yourself. This is why pink is perfect for those who are extremely self-critical. It’s a loving colour to remind you to treat yourself just as you would treat your best friend.

Although colours have strong associations linked to them, it is also important to trust your own colour intuition. The shades that stand out to you are the colours you will need to heal your personal needs. It can be as simple as choosing the shades you love because they make you feel good.

Why not let us know which colour is standing out to you by leaving a comment below?