The Impact of Flowers on Mental Health

This year's Mental Health Awareness Week focusses on the power and potential of kindness. During this long period of isolation, so many of us feel alone, but simple acts 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 physical symptoms 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 and it feels pretty special to know that something as simple as flowers could hold some of the answers to 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 to love ones once again, then flowers can also help create a 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 is always 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 our Self Care Hamper which contains an air purifying aloe vera plant with some marc de champagne truffles, locally made bath salts by Francesca Giomarelli and a fragrant candle 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 on 0161 446 2556.

The Impact of Flowers on Mental Health