FLOWER POWER - How flowers can benefit your mental health

Minds are like flowers; they open only when the time is right - Stephen Richards

February 14, LOVE is in the air, its Valentine's Day! Many will be sending flowers to their loved ones on Valentine's day although the price is doubled. Have you wondered why? Then, you’re not alone, because scientists have recently started looking at that very question and some of their results are very interesting.

For some time now, the scientific community have acknowledged that there are positive psychological benefits to exposing yourself to flowers on a regular basis. Some of these scientists are even going as far as to recommend that people who are stressed in their daily lives can alleviate some of their stress with “flower therapy.” There is actually some good evidence to back this up and with mental health. It could be any flowers like a red rose, daisy, tulip or even baby breathe. 

"When I received the bouquet of flowers after a bad day, from Stephanie sent by JS Florist . It was truly a day maker! I was smiling ear to ear despite being saddened by the fact that the lockdown has troubled my business" says Punitha from Zrii Beauty Palace

But don't take Punitha's word for it - her claim is backed by science. A 2012 Harvard Medical School study found that people feel more compassionate towards others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when fresh cut flowers are present in the home.

According to lead researcher Nancy Etcoff, assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School, study participants who had fresh cut flowers in their home for less than a week had increased feelings of compassion and kindness for others. Those who placed flowers in parts of their home where they spend most of their time reported feeling less negative and looked forward to seeing the blooms first thing in the morning.

Interestingly, this happiness boost impacted the participants' mood at work, too - they were more likely to feel happier and have more enthusiasm and energy at work when flowers were in their home living environments.

"As a psychologist, I'm particularly intrigued to find that people who live with flowers report fewer episodes of anxiety and depressed feelings," Etcoff said in a media release. "Our results suggest that flowers have a positive impact on our well-being." What scientists have discovered is that surrounding yourself with flowers and plants out in the garden is not only a good hobby, but it is also good for your mental well-being. 

The flower power is also that it can induce true smiles. And these picture says it all. 

A genuine smile on Vijaya on her birthday induced by the bouquet of flowers 

A smile with a mask is still clearly visible by Christina Ng through her sparkling eyes 

Physicians are beginning to suggest to their patients that as well as traditional treatments, they should also consider therapies such as bathing in forests and spending time in city parks. And if this isn’t possible either, at least you know that sending some flowers to a loved one will put a smile on their dial and leave them in a better mood for a few days.

Only time will tell what scientists will discover next! Till then reap the benefits of flowers around you!

Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower - John Harrigan

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Love and wellness,

Drona Dewi

Mental Health First Aider

Wellness Trainer at Drona Wellness 

Disclaimer: The information provided by Drona Dewi a wellness trainer who is from a biotechnology background, a lifestyle researcher. Certified mental health first aider by Malaysian Mental Health Association and the information is not intended to be and should be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional medical advice