Life can sometimes feel like an uphill battle—especially when we put everything we have into our dreams and still fall short. Whether it’s a career setback, the loss of a loved one, or an unforeseen obstacle like the COVID shutdown that impacted my business in 2020, grief can settle into our lives in profound ways. As women striving to bring our best selves forward, facing moments when our best efforts don’t deliver the expected outcome can feel disheartening. Yet, these experiences also invite us to reconnect with ourselves, seek healing, and explore new avenues of self-care. One such avenue is color therapy—a gentle, effective way to support ourselves in times of grief through the colors around us.
In this post, we’ll explore color therapy as a supportive tool for healing, sharing practical ways to incorporate calming and uplifting colors into your makeup, wardrobe, and home. This gentle approach can help create a sense of stability, comfort, and empowerment, even during challenging times.
Color therapy, or chromotherapy, is the practice of using colors to enhance well-being and balance emotional states. Research on color psychology shows that colors can impact our moods, energy, and even our perceptions. While the science of color therapy continues to evolve, colors have long been used to evoke particular feelings, and selecting certain shades can help ground and soothe us during difficult times.
Think of colors as a form of emotional language, with each shade communicating something different. For example, blue is often associated with calm, yellow with warmth, and green with grounding. When we tune into these subtle cues, color becomes a tool not just for aesthetic appeal but for nurturing our emotional state.
Personal Story: Navigating Grief in Business
When I started my business, I poured everything into it—long days, a strict calendar, endless strategy sessions. My commitment was unwavering, and my vision was clear. But when COVID hit, it was as if all the plans I’d made evaporated overnight. The grief that followed was not just about the business but about the effort, hope, and discipline that, in that moment, felt as though it had led nowhere. I found myself struggling with drive and ambition, wondering if I could ever desire to achieve something with such unwavering commitment again.
During this period, I cultivated frameworks of grounding practices that supported the journey back to self. Surprisingly, color became a significant part of my healing—from the leafy greens and wooden browns in my home to vibrant reds, corals, and teals in my wardrobe. Color allowed me to express emotions I couldn’t always find words for, creating a sense of balance and harmony within. Today, I want to share some ways you, too, can use color to support yourself through times of loss, rediscovery, and transition.
Here are three practical ways to incorporate color therapy into your life, with each method designed to help you engage deeply with your surroundings, emotions, and sense of self.
Color Therapy in Makeup: Creating Subtle Reminders of Strength and Resilience
Makeup can be a powerful medium for self-expression, and choosing colors with intention can influence how we feel throughout the day. Start by incorporating specific hues that can serve as daily affirmations:
Soft Pinks and Peaches: These shades evoke warmth, compassion, and tenderness—qualities that can help you feel supported as you navigate grief. A soft blush or a gentle lip color in these shades creates an approachable, comforting look that feels like a gentle hug. Pro tip: The best shade of pink or peach for you can often be found in your fingertips.
Neutral Browns: Known for its grounding effect, brown can be a soft-focus choice for eyeshadow or eyeliner, reminding you to stay rooted in the present. Nature-inspired browns can offer a sense of relaxation and mindfulness.
Deep Purples and Reds: These shades are powerful and evoke feelings of strength, wisdom, and resilience. A bold lip in these colors can serve as a reminder of your inner courage, even on days when you may feel vulnerable.
Color Therapy in Wardrobe: Choosing Colors to Match Your Mood and Intention
What we wear profoundly impacts how we feel. I often allow the colors I choose to reflect both how I’m feeling and how I hope to engage with the world that day. Dressing with intention helps us reclaim a sense of agency and express our emotions authentically:
Calming Blues: If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, shades of blue can be very calming and help lower stress. Blue is also the color of the throat chakra, making it ideal for times when authentic communication feels challenging.
Uplifting Yellows and Oranges: These warm, energizing colors are associated with joy, optimism, and resilience. Wearing yellow or orange on days when you need a boost can lift your mood and bring warmth to your interactions.
Grounding Neutrals: Earthy tones like beige, brown, and gray provide a neutral base that’s both comforting and grounding. On days when you need stability, neutrals help create a safe, quiet space to process emotions.
Each color you wear to support your mood and intention doesn’t have to be outwardly visible. Wearing bright and bold colors as undergarments is a great first step to improving your comfort level with these colors.
Color Therapy in Your Home: Designing a Sanctuary for Healing
Our homes reflect our inner world, and the colors we surround ourselves with can either enhance or diminish our well-being. In times of grief, creating a sanctuary that feels warm and comforting can be an essential part of healing.
Greenery and Natural Tones: Incorporating natural tones like green, brown, and soft gray creates a grounding environment that brings the outdoors in. Adding plants or decorating with earth-toned textiles can foster a sense of calm and connection to nature.
Soft Whites and Creams: These colors evoke peace, purity, and simplicity, making them ideal for a restful environment. Whites and creams can help declutter the mind, especially if you’re processing complex emotions.
Comforting Blues and Grays: In spaces where you seek relaxation, such as the bedroom or living room, blues and grays provide a cooling, comforting atmosphere. These tones create a peaceful retreat where you can rest and recharge.
Creating a “color sanctuary” in your home can be as simple as adding soft throws, candles, or pillows in colors that speak to your current emotional needs.
Grief is a complex and deeply personal experience, and there is no one “right” way to navigate it. What color therapy offers is an accessible, gentle tool for self-care—one that can help ground you, uplift you, and encourage authentic expression when words alone aren’t enough. As you explore color in your makeup, wardrobe, and home, remember that each choice is an opportunity to connect with yourself and honor where you are.
If you’re interested in a more guided journey, consider a personalized color analysis to explore your coloring and create a new baseline for authentic expression.
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