The dreary greys and cold winds of winter can seem to sap the world of colour and happiness. Without the warmth of sunlight many people are affected by seasonal depression, a disorder that can last the length of winter.
Seasonal depression can affect anyone, but luckily there is a simple and elegant solution. Multiple studies have found that flowers have a proven, positive affect on our moods.
A Harvard University study found that even a small bouquet of flowers had a significant effect on peoples emotional wellbeing.
“The morning blahs, it turns out, is a real phenomenon, with positive moods – happiness, friendliness and warmth, for example – manifesting much later in the day,” says lead researcher Nancy Etcoff. “Interestingly, when we placed a small bouquet of flowers into their morning routines, people perked up.”
Simply having flowers in your home will help invigorate you during the winter blues, seeing their vibrant colours first thing in the morning will help put you in a good mood for the rest of the day.
Not only do flowers positively affect your mind, but they can help you physically as well.
Flowers can even help you during times of sickness. Research by the Kansas State University has shown that hospital patients with fresh flowers in their room required far less pain medication and experienced lower levels of anxiety.
Life is so fast paced now, and everyone deserves something nice to help reduce their anxiety, and there are few things in this world that can match the simple charm and calming effect of fresh flowers.
But the benefits of flowers isn’t restricted to just your home life, they can help improve your worklife too.
Consistently having fresh flowers in your workplace is a lovely way to reduce stress and agitation, while providing natural art that everyone can enjoy.
Studies have shown that flowers in the workplace can completely reinvigorate your workplaces enivornment.
“Flowers bring about positive emotional feelings in those who enter a room,” said Dr. Haviland-Jones. “They make the space more welcoming and create a sharing atmosphere.”
Flowers can also help increase your productivity. They increase mindfulness of times passing and can serve as encouragement to completing your goals. They are a positive symbol of the passing of time in a world where we too often lose track of it.
Why reserve flowers only for special occasions? Everyday can be brightened by their beauty, why not treat yourself and add some more colour to your life? Flowers aren’t just beautiful, they are a natural way to improve your health and lifestyle.