Anxiety is an issue that affects many people, and the impacts of it can be incredibly far reaching. While not everyone has the same symptoms during anxiety episodes, color can be used to help encourage grounding and calming.
This article will explore the science behind how and why particular colors can be used to help with anxiety and relaxation, and will provide advice and guidance on how to best use color to help ease anxious episodes.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a mental health disorder that can cause significant distress and impairment to a person’s ability to function. It is characterized by feelings of fear, worry, unease, or dread that can be acute or lasting, and can manifest in physical symptoms such as increased heartrate, difficulty breathing, and nausea. Anxiety can also cause consequences on a person’s relationships, as they may feel they’re unable to act naturally or participate with activities they would have previously enjoyed.
The Role of Colors
Colors, in particular, can serve as a helpful method for aiding the symptoms of anxiety. Different colors can be correlated with different emotions or states and can be used to help shift one’s mood in a positive way. This has been proved through research, where particular colors such as blue and green were seen to be calming for people experiencing symptoms of anxiety.
These colors were chosen because of their associations with nature, being seen as a calming or calming-inspiring color selection. The process of color therapy is based on the idea that the emotional effects of color take place because of the impact that color has on our brains and physiology.
This includes the release of hormones and neurotransmitters, and the association between color and emotional states that has been programmed into our subconscious. When used with the intention of reducing symptoms of anxiety, certain colors can help to ease the physiological responses associated with the condition, including elevated heart rate and respiration, by providing a reaction of calmness and relaxation to the person being treated.
Popular Calm Colors
When used for calming purposes, the most popular colors are blue, green, and purple. These colors are known to have a calming effect on our bodies and minds, as they are associated with natural elements such as the sky, water and forests, which are known for their calming properties.
The color blue is known for its calming effects and has been used for centuries for this purpose. It is a very familiar color, symbolizing trust and serenity, and can be seen as a symbol of calmness, relaxation, and peace. The lightness of blue encourages quietude, thoughtfulness and patience, which can be useful in helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Green is a color that is often associated with nature, bringing feelings of calmness and balance. This shade of green mimics the natural world, providing an element of beauty from the outdoors. This can help to reduce anxiety by providing a feeling of connection and appreciation that can be found when surrounded by greenery.
Another color to help with relaxation is purple. This color has a mysterious beauty that is not quite as familiar as blue or green, but still can provide a calming effect for those with anxiety.
Purple is associated with luxuriousness, mystery, and introspection and is sometimes seen as a color of positivity in the face of distress.
Colors to Avoid
Just as there are colors that can be calming for anxiety, there are others that can inadvertently exacerbate symptoms. It has been suggested that colors like red and orange may increase feelings of anxiety, as they strongly evoke feelings of intensity and can trigger fight-or-flight reactions. Red has been known to have an energizing effect and triggers the body to produce more adrenaline, which could be counter-effective to the relief of anxiety.
It is important to use caution with red and orange, while acknowledging that this can vary from person to person and that one should be mindful of the effects different colors have on their state of mind.
Advice for Using Color for Anxiety
When using colors as a way to reduce or ease symptoms of anxiety, intention and mindfulness should guide the selection process. Colors can be used in different ways to evoke a calming effect, ranging from wearing clothing items and accessories, to surrounding oneself in the environment, to art and design, to simple self-expression.
Whatever method is chosen, it should be used with the intention of calming particular symptoms, such as heart rate or heavy breathing. It is also important to be mindful when selecting colors, as it is possible for a color that a person associates with a negative memory or experience to cause further distress. Using color can also be a tool to support grounding and self-care, such as bathing in blue or using green to calm a person’s mind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the selection of color can be an effective tool in helping to manage and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Color is closely related to our emotions and has been used through the ages to calm and relax.
The colors blue, green and purple have been chosen as the most calming colors, as they are closely associated with nature and elements that can bring a feeling of balance and harmony. It is also important to be mindful when selecting colors, as it is possible for an individual to associate a color with a negative experience. By embracing colors as a form of relaxation, it is possible to reduce and manage levels of anxiety, potentially resulting in a positive physical and emotional experience.