Color and Light: How Holiday Decor Boosts Mental Well-being with Dr. Deborah Serani
Deborah Serani, Psy.D. professor of psychology at Adelphi University, shares how the colors and lighting of holiday decor can elevate our mood and improve mental well-being.
In a new video, Deborah Serani, Ph.D. a professor of psychology at Adelphi University and an expert on living with depression, shares how the colors and lighting of your Christmas tree and holiday decor can elevate moods and improve mental well-being.
“Decorating your trees with colorful lights with different textures of ornaments, all of the special things that make your Christmas tree, your Christmas tree, is what really fuels this good time feeling.”
Dr. Serani explains that certain hues, like red, green, blue, and purple, evoke warmth and comfort, helping us feel more secure and grounded. Research shows that these cheerful colors can stimulate feel-good chemicals in the brain. By incorporating bright, festive decorations, and colorful lights on our Christmas trees, we can create an environment that supports positive mental health.
To get the most out of the mental health benefits of color and light this holiday season, Dr. Serani offers a few tips:
Decorate Early: Start putting up your Christmas tree, holiday lights, and decor sooner rather than later. The anticipation and joy can lift your mood as you prepare for the season.
Play with Textures and Hues: Choose decorations with various colors and textures to create a visually stimulating environment.
Set Up Cozy Light Spaces: Arrange string lights, lanterns, or candles in rooms where you spend the most time recreating the benefits of natural sunlight.
Connect Traditions to Happiness: Engage in holiday traditions that bring joy, a sense of purpose, and connection.
The video also highlights how holiday lights, especially those we put up inside on our Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands, can compensate for reduced sunlight exposure during the winter months, boosting our mood and connecting us to the joyful spirit of the season. Dr. Serani encourages embracing traditions, whether decorating with heirloom ornaments or enjoying festive music, as these activities, combined with colorful lighting, can combat feelings of isolation.
By embracing the power of color and light, we can create spaces that nurture our mental well-being and bring extra cheer into our lives. As Dr. Serani beautifully explains, our holiday decor doesn't just brighten our homes - it brightens our spirits too.
