The Mental Health Benefits of Being Around Flowers
Photo by Stacy Bostrom
If you’re reading this, you probably have an affinity for flowers and intuitively know that they bring you happiness. But did you know that studies have actually proven that this is true?
Here are a few of my favorite studies about how flowers have been shown to improve mental health:
1. Receiving Flowers
Researchers at Rutgers University found that study participants felt less depressed, agitated, and anxious after receiving flowers. They also demonstrated a higher sense of life satisfaction. Source
2. Morning Flowers
Researchers at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital found that study participants felt least positive in the early hours, but reported feeling happier and more energetic after looking at flowers first thing in the morning. Source
3. Flowers for Hospital Patients
A 2008 study found that hospital patients who had flowers in their room felt less anxious. They were also more positive about their recovery and needed less post-operative care than patients without flowers. Source
4. Workers & Flowers
Researchers in Japan found that when workers were exposed to flowers for just a few minutes, they had lower levels of anxiety and there were differences in their parasympathetic nervous system. Source
5. Flowers at Home
Research from the University of North Florida shows that people who had flowers in their home for only a few days reported a significant decrease in their stress levels and improvements in their moods. Source
As you can see, there is significant evidence showing that flowers are good for your mental wellbeing. I hope that this gives you an excuse to fill your home with flowers today, and maybe even give some to a loved one, too!
Note: The posts on this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
