Did you know colors can make you feel better, and maybe even make you healthier? Belief in the healing power of colors is ancient, and while there is scant proof that colors can actually heal, I’ve certainly seen the potent stress-reducing and mood-boosting effects of color therapy (also known as chromotherapy). Why not use chromotherapy to help you feel better this fall, when colors are at their most vibrant—then into winter, when you may be missing splashes of color, as the world turns brown and gray? 

Here are five therapeutic ways to weave more fall color into your life this season:

1. Burnt Orange: Do you think first of pumpkins? Me, too. Pumpkins and other fall squashes are nutrient-dense, filling vegetables that can increase the quality of your diet going into cold season. For a healthy dose, try my Mini Pumpkin Pies, which combine the rich flavors of coconut milk (C, E, and B vitamins; and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and selenium), pumpkin puree (beta-carotene and other anti-oxidants, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins E and C), maple syrup (zinc, calcium, magnesium, and potassium), and cinnamon (antioxidants). Find the recipe at the end of this article.
2. Forest Green: The human eye is naturally sensitive to green wavelengths, making it a color that is calming and easy on the eyes. Spending time looking at green objects can help reduce eye strain, and is a proven stress reliever, lowering blood pressure and cortisol levels.  It’s a great way to find balance after long hours in front of screens. A walk through the woods, choosing a few house plants, even wearing green can help you replenish.
3. Sky Blue: Full-spectrum sunlight contains lots of bright blue light, which stimulates the pituitary gland to stop releasing sleep-inducing melatonin, and releases a little shot of cortisol to help you wake up and get moving. It’s nature’s espresso and also suppresses appetite. Each morning, stand outside for five minutes to let blue light into your eyes and brain.
4. Scarlet Red: Reds are naturally stimulating and energy-boosting, just like my Sweet and Serene Sangria, a delicious, healthy mocktail packed with antioxidants. This vibrant drink includes non-alcoholic red wine, 100% cranberry juice, and other juices and fruits. Rich in vitamin C, flavonoids like resveratrol, and other free-radical-fighting antioxidants, it offers anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, blood-sugar-stabilizing, and brain-strengthening benefits—all without the burden of alcohol on your liver. See the recipe at the end of this article.
5. Golden Yellow: Yellow is thought to increase concentration and reduce pain. Take a dose of nature’s anti-inflammatory by brisk walking on a sunny day, even in chilly weather (bundle up appropriately!). Admire the warm golden light of fall and the cool, pale gold of winter light.

I hope you’ll choose to fill your life with color this season—and beyond. It’s a beautiful way to feel more vibrant.

Mini Pumpkin Pies 

Makes 12 mini pies

Ingredients for crust:

• 2 cups raw pecans

• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Ingredients for filling: 

• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree

• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1-1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• Non-dairy whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a food processor, combine pecans and coconut. Pulse until they have a sandy texture.
3. Add in maple syrup, coconut oil and sea salt. Pulse again until everything is mixed.
4. Line 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
5. Divide the nut mixture as evenly as possible amongst all 12 cups, using your fingers to pat them down in each cup to form a crust for each mini pie. Dip fingers in water if it gets too sticky.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, coconut milk, maple syrup, eggs, egg yolk, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Whisk everything together.
7. Pour the filling as evenly as possible into the 12 muffin cups.
8. Bake for 30 minutes or until set.
9. Transfer to refrigerator to cool for at least one hour or overnight.
10. To serve, top with whipped cream.

Sweet & Serene Sangria 

Makes one pitcher

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle non-alcoholic red wine
• 4 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 apple (cored and diced)
• 1 plum (pitted and diced)
• 1 orange (sliced into discs)
• Optional: 1 cup sliced strawberries, blackberries, or a combination, for more color and sweetness.

Instructions: 

1. Pour non-alcoholic wine, cranberry juice, and orange juice into a large pitcher. 
2. Add diced apple, diced plum, and orange slices to the mixture, along with optional berries. Stir. 
3. Allow to steep in the fridge for at least one hour. Serve in wine glasses.