We all know the sensations of gratitude and love felt when we receive a bunch or bouquet of flowers. You can’t not help but be caught up in the moment - beauty of nature at its best!
Admittedly for me, having been in the floral and nature industry and community for over twenty years, it’s one of my favourite things - you see a person’s smile, eyes light up… shed a tear of thanks – it’s an instantaneous moment of joy…
Whilst it’s not a new study, the behavioural research conducted by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D. (Clinical Researcher in Psychology at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital) in 2006 studied how living with flowers impacts your emotions and self-being -and it was fascinating. When I say ‘living’, I don’t mean each and every day for your entire life, but as Etcoff puts it, “Other research has proven that flowers make people happy when they receive them. What we didn’t know is that spending a few days with flowers in the home can affect a wide variety of feelings.”
Yes, I know we don’t necessarily need ‘scientific’ evidence about the positive effects of flowers, but it so intriguing that this topic reaches the realm of investigation!
With winter on the doorstep our moods and motivation can take a bit of hit. We’re at mid-year and I am, and maybe you too, feeling a bit tired and lethargic. For those who haven’t come across this study, I’d like to share the three main and significant findings of ‘The Home Ecology of Flowers Study’:
1) Flowers feed compassion
2) Flowers decreases anxiety, worries & depression
3) Flowers at home can also boost happiness at work!
Compassion: It was revealed that fresh cut flowers at home increased a feeling of kindness and compassion towards others. I find this so comforting in a world that often presents us with angst and anger unwarranted.
Less worry and anxiety: It proved that most participants felt less negative by having fresh flowers in their home for several days. Most relished seeing fresh blooms first thing in the morning and placed in them in areas where they spent a lot time – kitchen, living room and dining areas. I find this reassuring as many struggle with the pressure of each and every day!
Boost of energy, happiness & enthusiasm at work: The study found that having flowers at home has a positive carry-over impact on our mood at work! I found this so wonderful… wow... for all of us that work (which I think is 99.9%) that’s a complete game-changer!
Flowers might not last forever, but in a world of congestion, accumulated trinkets and gadgets that sit and accumulate dust, flowers are a reminder to live in the moment (really what we all only have) and appreciate what nature gives us. Each and every day, all year round, nature gives us flowers to enjoy and injects a boost that simply, material things can’t do.
Flowers for thought!
Arn xx
