New study shows that fresh flowers have signicant health benefits
The sweet-smelling bouquets of roses and lilies that are flying off florists’ shelves on Valentine’s Day are now proven to have a positive effect on people’s behavior and work habits, according to a recent study at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
The study, conducted by Dr. Nancy Etcoff of Harvard Medical School, found that the presence of fresh flowers at home made people more compassionate, melted away their depression and anxiety and even increased their happiness, energy and enthusiasm at work.
“Other research has proven that flowers make people happy when they receive them,” Etcoff said in an article on aboutflowers.com. “What we didn’t know is that spending a few days with flowers in the home can affect a wide variety of feelings.”
The study found that people who spent just a few days with fresh flowers in their home already felt the positive effects of the blooms.
From another psychological perspective, some psychologists say the presence of flowers allows people to focus on beauty and self-care, which are necessities in today’s increasingly complex and fast-paced world.
“Fresh cut flowers allow us to have beauty in our offices and in our internal spaces to look at and nourish our senses while we’re going through our day,” said Kimberly Cerdorian, a psychologist from Longmont.
Florist Diana Brekke said she agrees that the benefits flowers are undeniable.
“Behavioral research has shown that the presence of flowers triggers emotions of calmness, well-being, happiness and intimacy,” said Brekke, owner of Rocky Mountain Rose in Gunnison.
To trigger specific emotions of happiness and excitement, Brekke suggests flowers in bold colors like reds and oranges.
“Bright colors make you come alive,” she said.
Those on the receiving end of bouquets agree that flowers are always a good gift choice.
“Flowers are really pretty and they make the room happier,” said Elizabeth Wright, a sophomore environmental studies major. “Whenever I get flowers I carry them around the house with me wherever I go.”
Although he said he would not want to receive flowers himself, Christopher Goldstrohm, a senior communications and economics major, said flowers were absolutely on the top of his gift idea list.
Tim Weckerly, who owns Art of the Flower on the Hill, said flowers are also a unique gift because of the natural brilliance they add to a room.
“I think it’s the beauty and the freshness of them that is so appealing,” Weckerly said. “They bring life into a room that’s really pretty and colorful.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Emery Cowan at emery.cowan@thecampuspress.com.
