The Power of a Flower

"Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul." – Luther Burbank

In a 2005 study, a team of psychologists from Rutgers University proved what most of us already knew, or at least would have guessed: receiving flowers makes people happy.

Producing positive moods, behaviors, emotional responses and even improved memory function, research showed that gifts of flowers not only promoted instant benefits but long-term benefits, too. In addition to triggering positive responses, flowers were also shown to reduce negative emotions and behaviors. A June 2017 article in Psychology Today reported great psychological effects from exposure to flowers because they stimulate the feel-good brain chemicals dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin.

Color is likely a big part of flower power. All hues have a manner of influence on mood. Color theory ascribes kindness with pink, optimism and joy with yellow and orange, confidence and love with red, creativity and clarity with blues and purples, and peace with white and green shades. The aromatherapy that flowers offer is thought to have significant emotional impact, too.

We often associate flowers with gifts, but their benefits are also experienced when you buy flowers for yourself. In fact, flowers can serve as an important form of self-care. Start your day off right by setting flowers on a bedside table so you see them when you wake up. Hang a flowering basket or plant flowers near your front door as a way to welcome yourself home. Place an arrangement in your workspace to bolster productivity and problem solving.

Try it and experience for yourself the many wonderful powers of flowers!