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Colour Psychology

Light consists of the seven colour energies: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet. By learning how colour psychology influences us, we can effectively use colour to enhance our homes 'personality' our own personality or our fashion sense or even our well being. Each colour is connected to various areas of our body and will affect us differently emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Without doubt colour does inspire, and it does have meaning in our everyday lives...

Following is a description of the seven different colour energies, the other main influencing colours, and effects of colour psychology.

Red colour Psychology -
VITALITY, COURAGE, SELF CONFIDENCE

emotional	love, vitality, courage, passion, danger

physical	increase blood pressure, increases respiratory rate, aids digestion, increases strength

behavioural	aggressive, sensuous, extreme, athletic, impulsive, sensual, physical, bullying

Personal:
Use red when you need to meet a demanding day, if your immune system is suffering, or when you feel drained of energy. The colour red provides the power from the earth and gives energy on all levels. It connects us to our physical body. Everything that is to be commenced needs the life vitality of red.
Red Personality Traits: Courageous, confident, humanistic, strong-willed, spontaneous, honest, and extroverted.

Orange colour Psychology -
HAPPINESS, CONFIDENCE, RESOURCEFULNESS

emotional	active, boldness, exuberance, cheer, vigour

physical	decreases irritability, decreases hostility, improves social behavior

behavioural	gregarious, active, social, extroverted, jovial, pleasure seeking, fickle

Personal:
Orange brings joy to our workday and strengthens our appetite for life! Orange is the best emotional stimulant. Great colour to bring you back to life on a dull, cloudy day. It also helps depression. It connects us to our senses and helps to remove inhibitions and makes us independent and social. Personality Traits: Enthusiastic, happy, sociable, energetic, sporty, self-assured, and constructive.

Yellow colour Psychology -
WISDOM, CLARITY, SELF-ESTEEM

emotional	optimism, irritability, wisdom, cheer, annoyance, warmth

physical	increases irritability, increases hostility, sharpens memory, aids digestion, stimulates circulation, stimulates appetite

behavioural	behavioural caution, debate, egotism, innovation

Personal:
Yellow gives us clarity of thought, increases awareness, and stimulates interest and curiosity. Yellow energy is related to the ability to perceive and understand. The yellow energy connects us to our mental self and is great for your memory, studying for exams and creating confidence. Personality Traits: Good-humoured, optimistic, confident, practical, and intellectual.

Green colour Psychology -
BALANCE, LOVE, SELF CONTROL

emotional	growth, envy, inexperience, refreshment, birth, jealousy, wealth, compassion

physical	rejuvenation, expansiveness, balance

behavioural	moderation, normalcy, balance, conventional, tradition, quietly social

Personal:
Green helps relax muscles, nerves, and thoughts. Cleanses and balances our energy, to give a feeling of renewal, peace and harmony. Green connects us to unconditional love and is used for balancing our whole being. Excellent colour to replenish when you feel emotionally drained. Personality Traits: Understanding, self-controlled, adaptable, sympathetic, compassionate, generous, humble, nature loving, and romantic.

Blue colour Psychology -
KNOWLEDGE, HEALTH, DECISIVENESS

emotional	serenity, peace, sadness, loyalty, sincerity, justice

physical	lowers blood pressure, slows respiratory rate, cooling and relaxing

behavioural	conceptual, dogmatic, rigid, loyal, astute, responsible, pragmatic, manipulative, conservative, authoritative

Blue is a mentally-relaxing colour. Blue has a pacifying effect on the nervous system and brings great relaxation. Ideal for sleep problems, and hyper-active children. Connects us to holistic thought, and gives us wisdom and clarity enhancing communication and speech. Personality Traits: Loyal, tactful, affectionate, inspiring, inventive, caring, and cautious.

Indigo colour Psychology -
INTUITION, MYSTICISM, UNDERSTANDING

emotional	Brings peace , Calms after shock and fear

physical	Affects the brain, nervous system and sinuses, Associated with the right side of the brain , Purifying, antiseptic effect , Cools the system , Balances metabolism

behavioural	Intuition/Psychic, Creativity, Psychic protection

Personal"
The indigo energy connects us to our unconscious self, and gives us the experience of being part of the whole universe. Strengthens intuition, imagination, psychic powers, and increases dream activity. Personality Traits: Intuitive, fearless, practical, idealistic, wise, and a truth seeker.

Violet colour Psychology -
BEAUTY, CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION

emotional	royalty, quietness, supremacy, reverance

physical	lowers blood pressure, depresses appetite, quietens overactive glands and organs, quietens overactive internal dialogue

behavioural	elegance, spiritual, reverance, creativity day, dreaming, philosophical, lateral thinking

Violet purifies our thoughts and feelings giving us inspiration in all undertakings. The violet energy connects us to our spiritual self bringing guidance, wisdom and inner strength. Enhances artistic talent and creativity. Personality Traits: Inspirational leaders, kindly and just, humanitarians, self-sacrifing, visionary, creative, and strong mentally.

Pink colour Psychology -

emotional	emotional, guarded

physical	weakens muscles, stimulates sweet tooth

behavioural	gentle, friendly, protective, indulged

Brown colour Psychology -

emotional	earthiness, natural ,tranquil, bored casual, embraced, safe

physical	encompassed, dull

behavioural	homespun, shrewd, sturdy, reliable, stable, ultraconservative

White colour Psychology -

emotional	joy, hope, innocence, cleanliness

physical	purity, enlightenment

behavioural	individualism, indecision, idealism, optimism

Grey colour Psychology -

emotional	steady, stable, dignity, protected, resignation, negotiable, indecision

behavioural	deliberate, disciplined, compromise, guarded, negotiable

Black colour Psychology -

emotional	mourning, mystery, fright, elegant, dignity, sophisticated, uncertainty, intimidated, intimidating

physical	mourning, fatigue

behavioural	worldly, stunning, powerful, aloof, intimidating, dignified, mysterious

Colour consultants generally believe that the colours used in the design of environment can have a significant impact on the emotions and performance of people within that environment. For further reference see notes on Chromotherapy