Self Improvement

The use of colour for ourselves and for our homes makes all the difference to how we feel and how other people respond to us. Presentation determines how we all respond to situations and people, often without even realising it.

- Language. The words we use reveal how we are feeling and colour is often a part of that. 'Seeing red' means that a person is angry and inflamed. Happy people talk about feeling bright, radiant and glowing. Gloomy people will talk of dark, black moods, feeling dreary and dull. We may look to lighten or brighten a mood. The effective use of colour can improve and enhance a situation.

- Food. How would you feel if someone presented you with a plate of food all one colour? White chicken, white wine or cheese sauce, mashed potatoes, cauliflower, etc. It might taste fine, but I doubt if it would satisfy or be considered especially appealing to eat. Many of us eat with our eyes first and colour is a significant factor in the equation.

- Home. Use of colour can make our home a warm and welcoming haven. Some people use colour differently in the Winter than in the Summer. Winter is often about warmer colours, textures and fabrics. Thicker curtains and cushions can make a room feel cosy. Reds, oranges and purples are warm colours that can brighten a room. Lighting is especially important in Winter. Lamps and wall lights are often more cosy than overhead lighting. Candles and firelight can cast a warm glow and change the look and use of colour in a room.

Summer colours can be cooler, lighter and cleaner. People often like to use outdoors more in Summer, so windows will be open letting sunlight and fresh air into their home. Lighter curtains, bright shades and pastels often make for a Summery feel.

Different rooms can have a different use of colour to reflect the individual personality of each occupant as well as tie in with the room's specific use. There is a different ambiance required in a dining room, study or bedroom and colour can be used to good effect to maximise the room's atmosphere and mood.

- People are affected by colour. Seeing someone dressed in a bright, colourful outfit can lift our mood and make us smile. Our choice of colour in our clothing can send a message about how we are feeling. We can choose to brighten our mood by wearing more colourful clothes. It is more difficult to feel gloomy if we are dressed brightly. Often people will receive us in a warmer way if we look bright and cheerful, which in turn helps us to feel better. Sun-tanned bodies often make people look healthy and attractive. Colour can make all the difference.

- Colourful gifts are a pleasure to receive. A lovely bouquet of flowers are a brightly wrapped gift can be enough to brighten up our day. Cheerful greetings cards are fun to display and remind us of the sender with a smile.

Colour is an important part of life. We come across it constantly, from the amazing year-long cycle of nature's colours and even the different shades of green, through to the colours of life around us. Cars, shop windows, fashion are an ever-changing parade of colours. Appreciating the diversity and enjoying it can brighten our lives.

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Susan Leigh is a Counsellor and Hypnotherapist who works with
- stressed individuals to promote confidence and self belief,
- couples in crisis to help improve communications and
- with business clients to help support the health and motivation levels of individuals and teams

For more information see http://www.lifestyletherapy.net