Ever wonder why you feel instantly calmer walking into a spa with soft blue walls, or why that bright red sports car makes your heart race a little faster? As busy moms juggling work, kids, and everything in between, we’re constantly surrounded by colors – but we rarely think about how they’re actually affecting our emotions and energy levels throughout the day.

The Science Behind the Feeling

Color psychology isn’t just some trendy wellness concept – it’s backed by real research. Artists and interior designers have long believed that color can dramatically affect moods, feelings, and emotions, and certain colors have been associated with physiological changes, including increased blood pressure, increased metabolism, and eyestrain.

Think about it: when you’re getting dressed in the morning, do you instinctively reach for that black blazer when you need to feel powerful for a big presentation? Or maybe you grab your favorite green sweater when you want to feel more relaxed? “Take a moment to think about a familiar space to you, is there a color that stands out about that space? Think about your clothes and how different colored clothing makes you feel when you wear them,” suggests Dr. Rachel Goldman.

What Your Color Choices Really Mean

Here’s what researchers have discovered about our emotional connections to colors:

Red is associated with passion and excitement (68% of people link red with love), while blue brings feelings of relief and wisdom (35% linked blue to relief). Green connects us to nature and contentment (39% associated green with contentment), and yellow? That’s our happiness color – 52% of people felt yellow means joy.

The Mom Life Reality Check

Now, let’s talk about how this applies to our real lives. That cheerful yellow kitchen might actually be boosting your mood during those chaotic breakfast routines. The soft green in your bedroom could be helping you unwind after those endless days. And maybe there’s a reason you feel more confident in that navy work dress – blue is often described as the color of stability and safety.

Small Changes, Big Impact

“Perhaps the next time you are feeling kind of blah, think about this and see if your mood shifts by wearing a different color. Many times, it’s the small things that can have the largest impact,” notes Dr. Goldman.

You don’t need a complete home makeover or new wardrobe. Try adding:

• A pop of energizing orange to your workspace
• Calming blue accents in your bedroom
• Fresh green plants throughout your home
• A confidence-boosting red lipstick for important days

The Bottom Line

While color can influence how we feel and act, these effects are subject to personal, cultural, and situational factors. More scientific research is needed to gain a better understanding of color psychology. But here’s what we know for sure: as busy women, we deserve every little mood boost we can get.

So tomorrow morning, when you’re choosing your outfit or deciding whether to grab that bright coffee mug, remember – you’re not just picking colors, you’re setting the tone for your entire day.

What colors make you feel your best? Share your thoughts with us on social media @Froggy1027!

Sources: Cherry, K. (2024, February 20). Color Psychology: Does It Affect How You Feel? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-2795824