The stimulation of various colors each has a dramatic an impact, not only on our thoughts, but our moods as well. Some colors make us feel anxious, while other colors make us feel relaxed and calm. For example, the color red signals a sense of alertness, whereas the colors green and blue promote a sense of relaxation (one reason why being in nature is so relaxing for many). Many restaurants are aware of the messages of color and select colors to generate a specific atmosphere (I was once told that fast food places choose yellows and oranges to get people in AND out quickly—which is true). With the use of functional MRI’s we can now detect what parts of the brain are most active with color stimulation! The correlation between the stimulation of color and mood takes place at an unconscious level as color is one the languages of the unconscious mind. Industry marketers use color as a means to attract customers and sell products. Colors play a BIG role in how we navigate the world and what emotions we use in our daily travels, which is why it is important to know how colors affect you!
• Stress Tip for the Day:
Take a look at the clothes in your closet and make note of what you wear each day. Its one thing to have your clothes match your hair and skin color. It even more important, however, to have the colors you wear support a healthy scale of emotions. Pay attention to the color of clothes you wear and if you are feeling down in the dumps consider selecting a color of clothes that supports how you wish to feel.
• Movies Worth Noting:
A while back I included a link to the documentary film, Food, Inc. The other night I went to go see it, and without exaggerating, I think EVERYONE who eats food, must see this movie. Based on much of the content from Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser’s books (The Omnivore’s Dilema, Fast Food Nation, respectively) this film is a real eye opener for everyone, including those who think they eat healthy! I used the book Fast Food Nation as one of three texts when I taught a nutrition course at the University of Colorado for 10+ years. Do yourself a favor and see this movie.
• Photo of the Day:
Sometimes the best things fly right by us and if we are lucky we are there to take notice, like this colorful butterfly I caught on film while on vacation last year.
• Quote for the Day:
“When you come to the edge of all the light you have, and must take a step into the darkness of the unknown, believe that one of two things will happen; either there will be something solid for you to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.”
—Patrick Overton
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
