This year's Mental Health Awareness Week focusseson the power and potential of kindness. During this long period ofisolation, somany of us feel alone, but simpleacts of kindness have the ability make us feel connected and remind us we are loved.Shining a light on how we can protect our mental health and help support others, couldn't be more important right now - it's going to be central to us coping with and recovering from the pandemic long after the physicalsymptoms of the virus have gone.
All across the country we have seen ways that kindness is already flowering - from the nation clapping for the NHS, to Captain Tom's fundraising, to socially distanced street parties bringing communities together for VE Day. Here at The Flower Lounge, I've seen messages of hope, love, solidarity and tenderness go out with the bouquets we are delivering andit feels pretty special to know that something as simple as flowers could hold some of the answersto boosting our mental health.
Being surrounded by nature has long been known to lift our mood and ease stress, and research consistently links flowers and plants with positive psychological health. Here's how they can help us:
They impact your mood…for days
Flowers do more than just brighten your room, they can have an uplifting and brightening effect on your mood too. But more than just a hit of happy, research has shown that the impact can last for days, so way more powerful than that bar of chocolate and significantly less calories!
Flowers can chase away anxieties, worries and the blues, making people feel less depressed, troubled or agitated. They can induce a more positive outlook on life, boosting energy and happiness.
Even the smell can help relieve anxiety and are the ideal antidote to stress...for all those homeworking or schooling right now!
They improve your productivity and creativity
Whether in the workplace or in a home office, flowers and plants are proven to improve performance and ignite creativity. Enthusiasm, energy and job satisfaction are all reported side effects and are well worth investing in if you work long hours or need regular inspiration.
They create stronger and more intimate connections
We live in an age that is increasingly disconnected, foregoing physical contact in place of iPhones and social media. Right now, isolation is only serving to heighten those problems.No wonder then that the rates of loneliness is on the up. But by sending/receiving flowers we are re-connecting, showing family and friends they are in our thoughts.
When we can throw open our doors tolove ones once again, thenflowers can also help createa welcoming environment.
They can help heal
Flowers are also proven to help reduce recovery time and so it’s such a shame that so many hospitals don’t allow them anymore. But, if someone is ill or recuperating at home, a thoughtful bunch of blooms can generate such a sense of wellbeing that things like blood pressure, heart rate and fatigue can all be reduced.
They make the recipient happy
Imagine turning around someone’s day (or week! – see above) through one, simple gesture. To know that they are loved and supported, can mean so much that the positive impact of receiving a bouquet can be enough to lift them out of a difficult place or low point. Flowers are a perfect solution to communicate emotions where it’s hard to find the right words.
They make the sender happy
‘The manner of giving is worth more than the gift’ – we all love that warm, fuzzy feeling of making someone happy right? Well this feeling is proven to nurture your own mental health, giving you an injection of wellbeing and feel-good vibes. As humans, we perceive gift-giving as a caring, emotional and thoughtful act and enjoy feeling like we are one of those people.
What to choose?
So, you’re if you’re with me and inspired by FLOWER POWER, where do you start? Choosing blooms that are fresh and in season isalways the best option, whether it's full bouquet, such as our florist's choice, or a cute posy jar,the colours and fragrance are at their best. You can always combine flowers and plants with other 'pick me up' goodies such as ourSelf Care Hamperwhich containsan air purifying aloe vera plant with some marc de champagne truffles, locally made bath salts by Francesca Giomarelliand a fragrantcandle by The Naked candle Co.
We've lots more lovely options on our website, available for contactless delivery or click and collect. If you need help choosing, we can think of nothing more satisfying than play our part in delivering that hit of happy and feel good vibes, so give us a call on0161 446 2556.
FAQs
They impact your mood…for days
How do flowers affect mental health? ›
By increasing serotonin levels, flowers can promote feelings of calmness, reduce stress and anxiety, and even alleviate symptoms of depression. Furthermore, research has shown that being surrounded by nature or natural elements like flowers can lower blood pressure and heart rate while improving cognitive function.
How do flowers impact people? ›
According to a 2005 study by professors from Rutgers and La Salle universities, flowers have “immediate and long-term effects on emotional reactions, mood, social behaviors, and even memory for both males and females.” Another study found that people recovering from surgery who have plants or flowers in their hospital ...
What is the impact of flowers in our life? ›
The importance of flowers in our everyday life is to help convey the best of our feelings and emotions towards someone in a way that no other object can. If words are not enough, the flower can speak your heart bigger and strengthen your bond with the person you love.
What is the best flower for mental health? ›
Jasmine is not just a beautiful bloom. It is also one of the preferred flowers for mental health preservation. It can reduce stress and anxiety levels.
How do flowers affect the human brain? ›
Flowers are known to stimulate several chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin in our brains. These are the 'happy' chemicals. And whenever we see or receive some pretty flowers our brain instantly recognises that as a good, rewarding thing.
What emotions do flowers evoke? ›
Flowers have a complicated socio-emotional connotation since they are frequently used to express a wide range of emotions, including sympathy, sorrow, shame, love, pride, joy, and even religious sentiments.
How do flowers help anxiety? ›
They can bring a sense of joy and calm to our gardens and homes, helping to lessen symptoms of worry and stress. The flowers have also been proven to purify air. By removing toxins in the air, this helps our bodies relax a bit more too.
Can flowers heal people? ›
Flower therapy is proven to be useful in cognitive issues like memory loss, stuttering and dyslexia. Physical ailments that arise out of psychological issues such as hypertension, asthma, insomnia, eating disorders, migraines and allergies can be cured with the healing properties of flowers.
What do flowers mean in psychology? ›
The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.
There has been lots of research carried out to show the impact flowers can have on your mood, attitude and general happiness. Flowers definitely make people happy upon receival, but they are also a brilliant way to lift the mood and atmosphere within a room.
What is the most important thing about flowers? ›
Flowers are one of the most important parts of a plant. Flowers are the basic reproductive parts of a plant. Flowers bring a sense of happiness and positivity into the atmosphere. Flowers are one of the best ways to express our emotions.
What is the main purpose of flowers? ›
Flowers do much more than just provide beauty and lovely scents. Their primary purpose is reproduction. During the reproductive process, flowers make use of their colorful petals to attract pollinators such as insects and animals.
What flower symbolizes mental healing? ›
Lavender
The calming essence of Lavender is renowned for its ability to soothe the mind and body, making it a quintessential component in aromatherapy practices aimed at reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing sleep quality, and bringing solace to those grappling with insomnia.
What color for mental health? ›
The green ribbon is the symbol of mental health awareness.
How do plants benefit mental health? ›
Plants can help boost our mood, Hall said. Hall said nature and being around house plants can help lower cortisol, the stress hormone. He has also published articles reviewing the benefits of plants, including enhanced memory retention, reduced effects of dementia and greater life satisfaction.
What are the psychological facts about flowers? ›
Plants and Flowers Improve Emotional Health
In an article in Psychology Today, Dr. Jonathan S. Kaplan suggests plants and flowers reduce stress because of the distraction from life and the improved air quality they provide. Another study shows that just the pleasant fragrance of flowers can reduce stress.
Do flowers make you happier? ›
Being in the presence of flowers triggers happy emotion and heightens feelings of life satistifaction. In a study done by a team of researchers at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, it was proven that flowers have a positive effect on people's moods.
What are the therapeutic effects of flowers? ›
Being around flowers helps decrease one's cortisol or stress hormones, improving their overall mental well-being. Whether growing plants or buying flowers, being around plants has a soothing and satisfying effect. They're a great way to cope with negative feelings like stress and anxiety. - A great mood booster.
How do flowers reflect your personality? ›
Pink roses mean grace, happiness and gentleness; white roses mean purity, innocence, reverence, and silence; yellow roses symbolize new beginnings, joy and friendship; orange roses symbolize desire and enthusiasm; and coral roses symbolize friendship, modesty and empathy. Lavender roses represent love at first sight.
Where the first series looked at depression, the second series focusses more on the subject of bipolar. From the beginning, we did our very best to be as sensitive and accurate as we possibly could in portraying mental illness and to deal with the subject in a helpful and responsible way.
