The Mood Boosting Power of Color

 Photo courtesy of Freestock via Unsplash

Have you ever looked out the window on a grey winter’s day and felt your mood sink?  Now that the sparkle and glitter of the holiday season are drawing to an end, the world around you literally can look a little drab and uninspiring.  While it's true that winter is a time for rest and planting the seeds of our intentions for the coming year, it can help to balance out the short winter days by adding a little color to our life.  I’m not talking about color psychology or therapy, but rather healthy ways color can support our well-being during the short, winter days.  Psst:  If you’re pressed for time, check out this Idea Pin here. 

Cooking with Color

Adding a rainbow of fruits and vegetables to our diet means adding loads of healthy vitamins and minerals.  It’s an easy way to get in fiber and antioxidants that aid our digestion and help our body rest and repair while we sleep.  It’s especially important for those of us living in the Northern hemisphere to consider if we’re getting sufficient levels of Vitamin D.  You can read what Dr. Will Cole has to say about that here. 

Notice Your Surroundings

You might look out the window now and think, all I see are brown, dead plants and grey-colored skies.   If you look more closely, you’ll discover that nature has a way of sharing color, even in the wintertime.  Branches laden with rich-colored berries and red-breasted sparrows can be found in gardens.   The low sun gives off shades of pink and blue, especially when snow is on the ground.  And nothing can beat the good vibes of a bright blue sky on a winter’s day.  Next time you go out for a walk, be mindful of the shades of color you come across. 

3 Simple Ways to Add Color to Your Day

1. Citrus!  Winter is the season for zesty citrus:  grapefruits, oranges, and mandarins are a simple and healthy addition to salads, snacks, and desserts.  Tip:  Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top of your salads or smoothies.  These little jewels are full of antioxidants.
2. Turn to Nature for inspiration. Bring the outside in with indoor plants, small pots of fresh herbs in the kitchen, or photo art depicting your favorite nature scenes.
3. Take a look at your wardrobe. Do your clothes make you feel vibrant, confident, and joyful?  If you need a little extra boost, add jewelry or scarves in colors that you love.

Try these simple strategies to help boost your mood, and before you know it, the first of the colorful crocuses will be popping their cheerful heads out of the ground.