What Is a Colours and Emotions Chart?
A colours and emotions chart links specific emotions with colours so you can pinpoint what you feel instead of getting lost in internal chaos. It turns the invisible into something you can see, name, and work through.
We Need Emotional Labels
When emotions pile up, our brain panics, so naming how you feel gives you clarity. The chart serves as a translator for your mind during emotional mayhem. (affiliate link)
How Colours Help Us Understand Feelings
Colours create instant associations, for instance, blue feels calm, red screams intensity; hence visual cues can help you process feelings faster than journaling paragraphs.
The Psychology Behind Colour Association
Our brains store powerful sensory memories, and one colour can unlock a whole emotional storyline in seconds — without overthinking.
Pros of Using a Colours and Emotions Chart
The juicy part? The colours and emotions chart gives structure when you’re on your knees with your T1D and it feels like a traffic jam of emotions.
The Emotional Freedom Factor
Once you identify feelings clearly, you can reclaim power over decision-making, thus, there’ll be no more mystery meltdowns; or “I don’t know why I feel like this.”
Better Communication With Loved Ones
Instead of snapping, you can say, “Hey, I’m in the orange zone — frustrated.” Hence there’ll be far less drama with those around you.
Useful for Diabetes Burnout and Stress
Diabetes throws emotions around like a toddler throwing spaghetti, therefore, using a chart helps you as a T1D pinpoint burnout signs before they chuck all the toys out of the pram.
Tracking Long-Term Well-Being
You’ll start to see life patterns, because maybe Wednesdays are always yellow and anxious; or it might be that after gym you’re green and grounded. Awareness = progress.
Visual Simplicity Advantage
One glance gives you answers, and so zero overthinking is needed; now that’s magic.
Cons and Complications of Colour-Coding Feelings
Every tool has a shadow side, and this one is no exception.
When Emotions Don’t Fit a Colour
Some days, you feel like 12 colours at once, or none. It can be frustrating to pick one when your heart is a mood blender.
The Risk of Oversimplifying Complexity
Humans are nuanced beings, because you’re not just “sad.” You might be sad, tired, lonely, and craving nachos.
Cultural Differences in Colour Meaning
Red = love.
Red = danger.
Red = celebration.
Depends where you grew up, so the chart isn’t always universal.
How to Use the Chart Daily
Check in with yourself morning, mid-day, and night, and mark colours. Notice shifts, because that’s emotional intelligence in action.
Coaching Clients With Colour Mapping
I use this in mindset sessions, and clients tell me their “colour of the day,” this is when we dive into why that shade showed up. It works, and it feels good.
Common Mistakes People Make
- Using colours as a personality label
- Ignoring conflicting feelings
- Checking in only when distressed
You need consistency, not crisis-only care.
Tools and Resources
There are printable charts, apps, and planners. Some include journal prompts. Try a few until one clicks.
Beyond Type 1 for mental-health-related emotional support.
Should You Try a Colours and Emotions Chart?
If you want clarity instead of emotional chaos — yes.
If you want to feel more in control of diabetes-related stress — absolutely yes.
If you hate colours — okay fine, maybe no.
The colours and emotions chart empowers healing, and it simplifies the messy internal universe we all fight with on the daily.
More support:
- Inside read: Diabetes Burnout Symptoms
- Outside read: Diabetes UK
Grab Your Mindset Reset Kit
Want to stop emotional overwhelm before it takes over?
Get the Mindset Reset Kit — designed for people with Type 1 who simply want a no pressure, and calm mindset reset 🙂
Yours as always,
Pete
