Flowers are beautiful, colourful, and provide many benefits to our mental health. While flowers seem unassuming at first glance, they’re powerful organisms that can help induce restful sleep, boost our productivity and creativity, and create intimacy and a stronger romantic connection. 

How our environment plays a role in mental health

When it comes to our mood, our environment plays a vital role in regulating our emotions. Think of how you feel on a rainy day as opposed to a sunny afternoon or relaxing at home instead of going to work. Our minds often reflect our surroundings and vice versa.

Greenery and bright flowers impact our health by reducing stress and helping us find peace of mind. Placing a bouquet of flowers in your home will instantly provide healing effects on those who receive them, including reduced feelings of agitation, anxiousness, and depression.

There are also several studies done on flower color psychology. For example, pink flower bouquets allow us to feel warm, loving, calm and encourage us to spread kindness. 

How flowers improve our well-being

Scientists have studied the effects flowers have on humans for centuries. To start, The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers, found that flowers are linked to life satisfaction.

Their 10-year research study determined that humans can manage their day-to-day moods in a natural way by buying or receiving flowers as a gift.

The results show the flowers aren’t just decent at moderating moods; they’re incredibly effective in the following area:

• People who receive flowers automatically express “true” smiles. The reaction of extraordinary delight and gratitude was universal across age groups.
• Flowers have a long-lasting effect on our moods. Study participants felt fewer bouts of sadness and had a higher sense of life satisfaction and enjoyment in life.
• The presence of flowers led to more contact with family and friends.

A four-month Harvard Medical study found that people living with flowers are more likely to feel compassionate and happy. They also have more energy and become enthusiastic about work.

The University of North Florida’s Department of Public Health determined once and for all that flowers reduce women’s stress after only five days. In the study, 170 women were asked to take a stress test and were given one of three gifts: cut flowers, a luxury candle, or no gift. 

At the end of the study, women who received the cut flowers reduced their stress levels by 5.5 points from their initial Perceived Stress Questionnaire answers. 

Best mood-altering flowers

Being around nature has long been associated with a boosted mood, but some flowers do it better than others. These four flowers will drastically improve your mental health.

• Chrysanthemums improve your mood and can uplift your spirits after a hard day. They’re known for reducing symptoms of worry and stress.
• Snake Plants are low-maintenance greenery that improves your productivity. They also relieve anxiety, increase concentration, and improve reaction time.
• Jasmine can improve your sleep, which helps your physical and mental wellbeing. Without sleep, you’ll have difficulty making decisions or coping with change.
• Lisianthus is proven to help creativity. When put in the workplace, employees find that they feel happier, more positive, and are more willing to learn a new skill.

A surprise bouquet of any bloom will raise a smile, no matter the flower. You could seriously turn someone’s day around by sending a couple of roses, calendulas, or tulips to someone’s door.

Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She is interested in mental health and well-being.