Anxiety can present itself in different forms, from a mild nervousness about an upcoming event to a debilitating fear that can prevent us from leading a normal life. Unfortunately, directly treating anxiety with medications or psychotherapy is not a feasible option for some people. Fortunately, color holds the power to help reduce anxiety on its own.
In this article, we explore 13 tips for leveraging color to reduce anxiety and achieve a greater sense of comfort and peace.
Tip 1: Choose Calming Colors
The colors we surround ourselves in can influence how we think and feel. For instance, dark colors such as deep blues and purples can have a calming and soothing effect, while bright colors like orange and yellow can be more stimulating.
When dealing with anxiety, it’s important to choose colors that are more calming and reassuring. Examples of colors that can help reduce anxiety include pastel blues and greens, light browns, and soft purples.
Tip 2: Leverage Warm Colors
Warm colors like red, yellow, and orange can produce a positive and uplifting feeling. These colors have also been shown to produce a calming sensation, as they remind us of natural elements and familiar places.
Incorporating warm colors into items around the home, such as bedding, curtains, and furniture pieces, can help bring a feeling of comfort and security which can be tremendously helpful for those suffering from anxiety.
Tip 3: Avoid Stark Contrasts
Color contrast can be a powerful tool for creating energy and focus in a space or artwork. However, for someone dealing with anxiety, stark contrasts of color can be jarring and overwhelming.
Whenever possible, it’s best to stick with more subtle and subtle-toned color schemes to promote a feeling of calm and reassurance.
Tip 4: Incorporate Cool Colors
Cool colors like blues, greens and purples can provide a sense of peace, while also creating a sense of space. These colors can help to bring in a sense of balance that can be beneficial for anxiety sufferers.
By incorporating blue walls, green furniture, and purple linens, it’s possible to create an environment that is calming, restful and supportive – ideal for reducing anxiety.
Tip 5: Use Soothing Neutrals
Neutrals are colors that are not vibrant. They’re more muted and muted-toned than other colors and can provide a sense of calm and comfort.
They’re a particularly good choice for reducing anxiety because they’re not glaring or too stimulating. When dealing with anxiety, choose warm neutral colors, such as beige, tan, and light browns and grays to create a grounding atmosphere that promotes relaxation.
Tip 6: Avoid Aggressive Colors
When dealing with anxiety, it’s best to avoid colors that are too bright or vivid, such as red, yellow, or orange. These colors are often associated with danger and can increase agitation and restlessness. By avoiding these colors, it’s possible to reduce anxiety and soothe nerves.
Tip 7: Take Advantage of Accents
Accent colors are a great way to add a little bit of life to a space while still keeping it calm and reassuring. These colors should be used as splashes of color, chosen carefully and strategically to add a sense of interest and excitement while still keeping the space soothingly reassuring.
Good choices for anxiety include lighter versions of the calming neutrals already mentioned, such as shades of lavender or light pink.
Tip 8: Utilize the Color Wheel
The color wheel can provide a wealth of information about the effects of different colors. For instance, complementary colors (opposite on the wheel) can be used together to create a balanced and balanced atmosphere.
Adjacent colors (next to each other on the wheel) can provide a sense of unity and continuity that can be comforting and reassuring. By leveraging the color wheel, it’s possible to create a sense of harmony that can bring greater emotional wellbeing.
Tip 9: Pay Attention to Color Temperature
Color temperature can make a big difference when it comes to reducing anxiety. Cool colors, such as blues and greens, are naturally calming and can help to bring a sense of peace and serenity.
Warmer colors, such as oranges and yellows, can be a bit more stimulating, which can be helpful in certain situations. By taking into account the temperature of the colors being chosen, it’s possible to achieve the desired effect.
Tip 10: Take a Place-Based Approach
When selecting colors for a space, it’s important to take into account the physical setting of the space. For instance, a bedroom should be a calm oasis of soothing colors, while a living room might be able to incorporate brighter and more stimulating colors to promote activity and socialization. It is also best to choose colors thoughtfully based on the time of day and amount of sunlight the space will be receiving in order to create an atmosphere that is conducive to relaxation and reassurance.
Tip 11: Be Mindful of Color Schemes
A good color scheme can provide a sense of harmony and balance. In order to reduce anxiety, it’s useful to choose a color scheme that is soothing and calming.
Monochromatic color schemes, which use various shades of the same color, provide a sense of unity that can be quite reassuring. It’s also possible to go with a complementary color scheme, which includes two colors opposite each other on the color wheel, for a balanced and calming effect.
Tip 12: Consider Color Psychology
Color psychology is the study of how different colors can influence our emotions and behavior. Certain colors, such as blues and greens, have been found to promote calming and relaxation, while warm tones have been found to create a more energizing atmosphere. By understanding the psychology of color, it’s possible to choose colors that can be beneficial for reducing anxiety and improving emotional wellbeing.
Tip 13: Incorporate Nature
Nature has a powerful effect on our emotions and overall wellbeing. By incorporating elements of nature into our environment through the use of colors, we can bring in a sense of peace and reassurance that can be beneficial for reducing anxiety.
Examples of helpful colors include earthy tones and muted greens.
Conclusion
Color can be a powerful and effective tool for reducing anxiety. By choosing calming and reassuring colors, avoiding stark contrasts, and incorporating elements of comforting nature, it’s possible to create an atmosphere that is calming, comfortable, and supportive. With these 13 tips, you will have the confidence to choose the perfect colors to create a calming and anxiety-free environment.