March is National Color Therapy Month
February 18, 2016
Caregivers in San Jose CA
Did you know that something as simple and as easily-forgotten as color can have significant effects on the mind and mood? It may seem odd, but the colors on the walls of the home, the colors of clothing, and even the colors of the furniture and decor can have the power to make your loved one living at home feel positive, negative, and anywhere in between. The idea that color can influence mood, assist with healing, and change a person’s attitude is called color therapy, and it can be used to help elderly adults have a better quality of life. March is National Color Therapy Month and it is a great time to experiment with color therapy and see if some simple color changes can have a positive effect on your loved one’s outlook and attitude. If color therapy does work for your loved one, you can celebrate this success! If it does not, you can take comfort in the fact that color therapy is completely natural and harmless to try. For caregivers who are interested in giving color therapy a try this month, here are just a few tips: • Know the Effects of Specific Colors Red, yellow, and orange are energizing colors. These colors can be stimulating to the mind and mood and help your loved one to find motivation extra energy. If your loved one has trouble finding the desire to make it to the fitness center or participate in exercise, try suggesting that they wear red, yellow, or orange workout clothes and see if it gives them the extra push they need! Blue, purple, and green are calming, soothing colors. If you are thinking about repainting a room or two in your loved one’s home, shades of these colors can be excellent choices for rooms such as a the bedroom or bathroom to promote relaxation. • Make Small Color Changes If a big painting project is not in your forecast, try making simple color changes around your loved one’s home to see if they have an effect. For example, try using a calming color of bedding for your loved one to promote a restful night’s sleep. In addition, try using dishes (or even paper plates and napkins) that have the energizing colors to stimulate a healthy appetite. • Make Color Therapy an Active Activity Color therapy can be about much more than the colors your loved one sees. Combine color therapy with art therapy to help your loved one relax and even fight off stress and/or depression. Join them in a fun art activity such as painting, coloring, or knitting. If you or an aging loved one are looking for caregivers in San Jose, CA, please call Familiar Surroundings Home Care. Call today! Santa Clara County: (408) 600-2760 San Mateo County: (650) 458-0140 Santa Cruz County: (831) 325-0890