Chromotherapy is the use of color to control stress, fatigue, and various medical conditions. Different shades are well-known for impacting our mental states in different ways. Red, for instance, is thought to increase blood pressure and pulse rate, while blue is believed to encourage relaxation.
Home should be a haven amidst the madness, and the ability to return to a relaxing, rejuvenating environment is crucial to our well-being.
Select a color palette that encourages relaxation.
Natural colors that remind us of the outdoors such as pale blues, soft browns, organic greens, and pale yellows help the body to relax. Try using these shades in your bedroom and bathroom where you unwind from the day.
Natural objects with textural qualities can also help relieve the body of stress. Look to natural materials like seagrass, jute, straw, organic cotton, and other fibers that encourage you to reach out and touch.
For your sense of smell, embrace aromatherapy throughout your home. Fresh herbs such as lavender, chamomile, and rosemary are known to relax the body, soul and mind. Candles and essential oils add to the sense of peace.
Boiling a fresh pot of herbal tea or a stock pot full of cloves, mint, or citrus rinds can make your entire home smell wonderful after a stressful day at the office.
Consider installing a small water feature or bubbling fountain in your entryway or living room to create soft white noise. Wind chimes by the front door set the tone as you walk to the door.
Add oxygen to the air with ferns, succulents, and orchids that bring color and depth to your environment.
Finally, avoid turning on the TV right away and instead play some light music, sip on your favorite tea and enjoy a healthy snack to complete that smile.