When I was going to college, my young son and I lived in a tiny apartment with odds and ends for furniture; however, in every room there were flowers…..daisies, lisianthus…..something white and beautiful! Just having them there convinced me that I was going to be okay. When I walked in the door after a long day I could feel them say hello and when I went to bed at night they whispered hope! To this day, I have fresh flowers in my home at all times. When I see hydrangeas or a cute little bouquet of lisianthus, I am instantly happier. I don’t remember a time in my life that flowers didn’t have an impact on me. My mother and sister have always loved flowers, so I guess for the longest time I just assumed this was why I loved them so much, why they made me happy. It wasn’t until recently that I understood just how much having beautiful fresh flowers in my home, and in the summer months blooming creations outside, were impacting my wellbeing! Turns out….the power of a flower is real!
In studies by several psychologists around the world, there have been two common findings. One, people struggling with an illness, depression or hospitalized were all instantly brightened at the sight of flowers and most smiled when they were handed to them. The second finding is the amazing part, almost all of the patients studied in the hospital needed less post-op medications to alleviate their pain, their depression and anxiety began to lift and they had lower heart rates and blood pressure after receiving flowers and keeping them nearby!! In an article I read by Leslie Garisto Pfaff. Rutgers Magazine, a study by Professor of Psychology, Jeannette Havilland-Jones and her husband Terry McGuire, Professor of Genetics, showed evidence of the number one finding above. They sent participants of a group study a thank you gift of one of three items: a candle, fruit basket or bouquet of flowers. Those participants that received the flowers were the only ones that responded not only with a smile but a Duchenne smile -a heartfelt smile shown in the mouth, cheeks and eyes!
So, go buy yourself some flowers, even just one pretty flower and put it on your nightstand! You deserve something nearby that makes you happy and brings you hope! I always knew that the flowers I kept near me were more than just pretty to look at, they made me feel hopeful, happier and calm! Just the clarity I need to continue to have flowers in my home and send to my friends and family to cheer them up!
xoxo
Yes!! This just justified the cost for me. I know these ‘treat yourself’ things shouldn’t come with cost consideration, but they do- and my mental health it worth it!