Colour Regulation Cheat Sheet: (A Gentle Guide for Supporting the Nervous System)
- Rhonda Large
- Jan 19
- 2 min read
First, a grounding note
Colour responses are personal. These are common tendencies, not prescriptions.If a colour feels wrong for you, trust that.
🌿 When You Need CALM & REGULATION
(Overwhelm · anxiety · burnout · emotional fatigue)
Often supportive colours:
Soft greens
Muted blues
Warm neutrals (beige, stone, oatmeal)
Gentle greys
Off-white / warm white
How to use:
Clothing near the body
Bedding, throws, cushions
Rest spaces, therapy rooms
Low-contrast combinations
Why:Softer, lower-contrast tones can signal safety and reduce sensory load.
🔥 When You Need ENERGY & ACTIVATION
(Low mood · fatigue · flatness · lack of motivation)
Often supportive colours:
Reds (warm, not harsh)
Oranges
Yellows
Brighter greens
How to use:
Small doses (scarf, jewellery, candle)
Short exposure (walk, artwork, food)
Movement spaces rather than rest spaces
Why:Brighter colours can gently stimulate without overwhelming when used intentionally.
🌫️ When You Feel NUMB or DISCONNECTED
(Shutdown · dissociation · emotional distance)
Often supportive colours:
Warm earth tones
Soft terracotta
Muted coral
Warm browns
How to use:
Natural materials (wood, ceramics, textiles)
Ground-level visuals
Warm lighting paired with colour
Why:Warm tones can help the body feel present and anchored.
⚡ When You Feel OVERSTIMULATED
(Irritability · restlessness · sensory overload)
Often supportive colours:
Monochrome palettes
One colour family at a time
Very low contrast
How to use:
Reduce visual noise
Simplify colour choices
Avoid busy patterns
Why:Too many colours can overwhelm an already activated nervous system.
🧭 A Simple Check-In (Use Anywhere)
Before choosing or changing colour, ask:
How does my body feel when I see this?
Does it soothe, energise, or agitate me?
Do I want more or less stimulation right now?
Your answer is the guide.
🌱 Important Reminder
Neutral is not boring — it’s often regulating
Bright isn’t always uplifting — it can be activating
Avoidance can be self-protection
Preferences change as the nervous system changes
There is no right colour.There is only the colour that supports you today.
Downlaod your PDF cheat Sheet BELOW
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