Flowers Do Actually Make You Feel Better - Studies Reveal They Reduce Anxiety And Stress

Jun 13, 2019 by apost team

Have you ever wondered why flowers bring you a general sense of well-being? Founding father of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud once said flowers are so “restful” for humans to look at because flowers don’t have “conflicts” and “emotions.” New flower-power studies continue to support Freud’s thought and help further explain human connectivity with flowers.

You likely already know that a gift of flowers from someone who’s wronged you do little, however, A study published in the American Society for Horticultural Science showed that plants in recovery rooms do have a therapeutic impact on patients returning from surgery.

The study also compared experience points between post-surgical patients with and without flowers in their rooms. The research found that patients with flowers in their rooms experienced less pain and needed their pain medications less frequently, had lower heart rate and blood pressure vital signs, reported less fatigue, and had higher satisfaction ratings for their hospital rooms. The patients also had significantly shorter hospitalizations. 

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The findings suggest that including plants in the hospital rooms of recovering abdominal surgery patients could be an inexpensive and noninvasive complement to traditional medicine. Or in other words, plants could be a helpful tool in helping patients feel better and recovering more quickly. 

While sitting around looking at a tulip isn’t going to get you six-pack abs, other flower-related activities could give off the same effects as going to the gym. The British Journal of Sports Medicine conducted an 11-year study that found leisure activities like gardening can have fitness and cardiovascular health benefits similar to going to a gym.

Other research from highly respected entities like NASA and the University of Georgia agree that indoor plants improve the quality of indoor air. From benzene to formaldehyde, there are a plethora of volatile organic compounds indoor plants can help remove from your breathing space. How’s that for a health boost?

Research published by the Natural Medicine Journal backs up a plethora of ‘green space’ research dating back to the 19th century. Green spaces are places where trees, vegetation, and flowers grow. Science is showing how exposure to green space creates positive changes to brain chemistry, stress levels, and overall well-being.

In addition to this research, a study conducted by New University found how the gift of flowers can reduce stress levels in women. It took 170 women between the ages of 18 and 65 and divided them into one of three groups that would receive either a candle, floral arrangement, or nothing. Each group completed surveys to measure their stress over the next 12 days, and the flower group reported “significant” mood improvement and stress reduction.

What about men? A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology looked at 31 male office workers in Tokyo. They were exposed to a bouquet of roses for four minutes. Researchers compared the psychological and physical results against a control group not exposed to the roses. Those exposed to the roses had lower heart rates and reported more relaxed and comfortable feelings.

Whether it’s psychological and medicinal benefits, air quality improvement, or stress reduction, science is showing there are many positive benefits when we're near plants. Who’d have thought a hobby like gardening or just buying yourself a fresh bouquet of flowers could have such a positive impact on your well-being?

Will you be heading to the local florist or greenhouse for some flower therapy next time you have a hard day or feel stressed? Has greenery already made a difference in your life? Tell us your thoughts and stories in the comment section, and don’t forget to pass this flower-power read on for others to enjoy. 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!