After earning a Bachelors degree of Art and Design, I understand that color and light play a vital roll in our world. Color and light can affect mood, change actions, sway thinking and suppress appetite. Color is a powerful form of communication, color is everywhere in nature and color is irreplaceable. Since I have always used fitness as my equilibrium for creativity I embrace all of the positive effects that color and light have on you especially while enjoying a great workout outdoors. Something about the mixture of a great workout on a beautiful colorful day really leaves you feeling recharged. Here are a few observations that may expound this…

Chromotherapy
First, nature’s colors can profoundly influence our minds and ways of thinking because they are pure and electrifying. I have found that it is an effective and inexpensive solution to use the lovely colors of nature for stress reduction. Such shades as the blueness of a clear sky, the greenery of the grass, the deepest shades of red in a sunset as well as the grayness of an overcast day can have a considerable influence over our state of mind. Research has shown us that specific colors bring balance to our physical and emotional systems. Chromotherapy (color therapy) is now being used as an alternative to Chinese acupuncture, achieving the same results in unblocking meridians without the discomfort of needles used in acupuncture.

Biophotons
Secondly, light is just as important as color. If there was no available light, we would not be able to see color since it is created by the reflection of light on an object. The Earth, our continents, oceans, in fact every living thing depends on light to be able to exist. Recent scientific evidence suggests that light is in fact emitted by every cell in our bodies called (biophotons). We live in a sea of energy where light is working within us. It shines with in our divine self, and radiates upon us from the sun.

Endorphins
Next, allow us to take a moment to shift our focus to endorphins. Serotonin and endorphins are the chemicals which give us a natural high. Serotonin also regulates sleep and appetite while endorphins act as a natural pain reliever. With these benefits it’s not surprising you might want to increase your serotonin and endorphin levels. The great news is that with exercise you can increase these chemicals naturally without any side effects. Exercise is one of the best natural ways to produce both serotonin and endorphins.

Step it up
Note* I suggest somewhat vigorous exercise since it puts stronger physical demands on the body and increases the release of endorphins. For best results, train for at least 40 minutes and alternate between high and low intensity circuits or intervals — I recommend outdoors, of course.

Now we can make sense of natures perfect mix, color, light and endorphins. If countless studies show that exercise increases the production of serotonin in the body, color and light can recharge us, it just make a lot of sense to spend some time exercising outside in the sunlight. Meanwhile, don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the colors of nature, while exercising outdoors. I encourage you to be conscious of all the beautiful hues and grays will help keep the Qi “ch’i” or (life force) energy flowing in our bodies’ energy channels or (meridians). We can talk a little about “Ch’i”, energy channels and meridians later. For now, step outside, enjoy a great workout and raise your vibration.

©2016 | Chris Vlaun