The therapeutic effects of flowers

Maybe it's part of getting older, but I love all things flowers at this time of year. Japan does floral displays so well, too – I think that's a big part of what has fostered my appreciation for springtime blooms. Azaleas, wisteria, nemophila, shibazakura, and more...there is just so much color to enjoy!

A cloudy but still beautiful day at the Fuji Shibazakura Festival in Yamanashi from a few years back.

Aside from just looking pretty, though, there are plenty of research-backed reasons why flowers are great for your health. Here are some scientific study examples that I found interesting!

Decreasing anxiety and more

Research by Franco, Shanahan, and Fuller (2017) in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health noted that being around nature has regularly demonstrated a range of benefits for human health and well-being, including reduced anxiety and stress, shorter hospital stays, and a lower heart rate. Their study specifically noted that hospital patients had shorter average stays when their rooms overlooked flowers and greenery as opposed to brick walls or other infrastructure.

Flowers: the perfect gift?

I think a lot of us appreciate flowers as a gift – they smell great and brighten up a home, adding a dose of colorful cheer. Research from Huss, Yosef, and Zaccai in the Journal of Behavioral Science also found that when someone was given flowers, positive emotions stuck around for an average of three days afterwards. Being given flowers was even found to increase the amount of social contact people would make with others, promoting a more positive outlook with the world at large.

Treating yourself to a bouquet might help your amount of social contact and your perception of the world! Pic Credit: Zoe Schaeffer via Unsplash

Ikebana - beauty with added benefits

You don't necessarily have to go to a flower field to get bloom-benefits! The traditional Japanese art of flower arranging (ikebana) is seen as a form of art therapy, helping to promote mindfulness and relaxation alongside creativity and self-expression. I know that there are places in our local area that offer hands-on ikebana classes, too, so it can be a good way to meet other people and expand your social network.

Pic Credit: Linh Le via Unsplash

Do you find that flowers help you to feel more positive? What are your favorite springtime flower spots in your local area? Let me know in the comments!