Winter is usually marked by shorter days, and many people experience a decrease in mood and energy levels. This phenomenon, commonly known as the ‘winter blues’ or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can have a weighty impact on people’s overall well-being. However, there is a natural remedy that can help alleviate these winter blues - flowers!
Flowers can positively affect people’s mood and mental health during the winter season. Drawing from scientific research and expert opinions, it has been established that flowers can brighten people’s spirits in various ways, improve their emotional well-being, and provide a much-needed burst of color and energy during the cold months.
Plants and Flowers... and the Winter Blues
If you’ve ever popped into a florist to buy someone flowers, chances are you’ve said something along the lines of 'Aren’t they beautiful', or 'They smell so nice' with a giant smile on your face. There’s a reason for that smiley face: flowers are proven to make you happy.
Photo: @nknaturalz
From boosting mood to lowering stress, numerous studies have found that flowers can help improve mental health by triggering the release of happy brain chemicals, including dopamine, serotonin, and the love hormone oxytocin.
Color therapists, also known as chromatherapists, argue that different colors correspond with different vibrations throughout the body. If things are a little off chemically, science says that everything can be treated by exposing your eyes to colorful stimuli. In other words, the brighter the floral scene, the happier the person.
Photo by @alajamie
Not only that, but bright flowering houseplants – especially those that bear colorful flowers – are not only decorative elements added to the home, but rather naturally improve mood, and more than that, enhance the air quality in indoor spaces. They, essentially, create a pleasant atmosphere that helps people to feel warm and comfortable in their homes despite the winter gloom, with more research showing that they calm and reduce stress.
Photo by @bobkat_roots4u
The Impact of Nature on Our Mental Health
Before getting into the specific benefits of flowers, it's important to first understand the broader impact of nature and flowers on people’s mental health. Flowers are, ideally, known to be full of positive effects.
Photo by @decorum.nl
Numerous studies have shown that exposure to nature, even in small measures, can have a positive effect on well-being. Spending time in nature has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved mood, increased happiness, and enhanced cognitive function.
Photo: @designrschoice
During the winter months, when people tend to spend more time indoors, access to nature becomes limited. This lack of exposure to natural elements can worsen the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder or winter blues. However, bringing nature indoors, particularly through the presence of flowers, can help alleviate these effects.
Photo by @decorumplantsflowers
The Emotional Impact of Flowers
Flowers have a unique ability to create and inspire emotions and uplift our spirits. A study conducted by Rutgers University found that the presence of flowers in our environment triggers positive emotions, increases feelings of life satisfaction, and promotes a sense of well-being. The study also revealed that flowers have an immediate impact on our mood, eliciting genuine smiles and expressions of happiness.
What’s most exciting about this study, according to Prof. Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Rutgers and lead researcher on the study, is that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can manage their day-to-day moods healthily and naturally.
In a nutshell, the 10-month study showed that flowers are natural and healthful mood moderators. Those who were part of the trial reported feeling less depressed, anxious, and agitated after receiving a bunch of flowers and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and even contentment in life.
Prof. Jeannette Haviland-Jones says:
“Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy. Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, but they have strong positive effects on our emotional well-being.”
In essence, the vibrancy of the colors and their entrancing scents can stimulate people’s senses and create a positive atmosphere within their homes. It could be just a bouquet of roses, a vase of daisies, or a potted plant; flowers just have a way of bringing a touch of nature's beauty into human living spaces and neutralizing the dullness of winter months.
The Psychological Benefits of Flowers
Aside from their aesthetic appeal, flowers offer a myriad of psychological benefits. Research has shown that having flowers in our immediate environment can reduce stress levels, anxiety, and feelings of depression. The presence of flowers has been linked to increased feelings of calmness, relaxation, and overall life satisfaction.
They also have the power to enhance creativity and improve cognitive abilities. A study conducted at Texas A&M University found that the presence of flowers in the workplace led to increased worker productivity, creativity, and innovation.
Moreover, flowers can bring out a sense of connection and improve social interactions. The act of giving or receiving flowers has been shown to strengthen relationships, increase feelings of compassion and empathy, and promote positive social behavior.
Photo by prostooleh
How Flowers Help Beat Winter Blues
Flowers can, without a doubt, help beat the winter blues and bring some cheer to the colder months. For starters, during the winter, the landscape can appear dull and dreary. Flowers, therefore, provide bright colors and visually stimulating elements that can elevate one’s mood and create a more cheerful environment.
Research has similarly shown that flowers have a positive impact on mood and emotional well-being. They can help reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression heightened by winter. The presence of flowers in people’s surroundings can create a more positive and uplifting atmosphere.
Photo: @themilleraffect
Many flowers have pleasant fragrances that can have a calming and soothing effect on people’s minds. The aroma of flowers can help relax the senses and create a more tranquil environment, which can be particularly beneficial during the winter months when people spend more time indoors.
In addition, flowers are often associated with positive emotions and symbolism. They can represent beauty, growth, new beginnings, and hope. Therefore, surrounding oneself with flowers acts as a prod towards these positive associations and helps shift people’s mindsets towards a more optimistic outlook.
Photo by @pipiflower
In winter, when outdoor gardening may not be practicable, one can engage in indoor gardening by growing potted plants and flowers. Taking care of plants can be a satisfying and pleasing activity that provides a sense of purpose and connection with nature. Plus, such activities are a natural element that connects people with the beauty of the natural world. Even during winter, when outdoor events may be limited, tending flowers indoors can help maintain a connection with nature and provide a sense of liveliness and rejuvenation.
Choosing the Right Flowers to Beat the Winter Blues
When selecting flowers to help beat the winter blues, it's essential to consider those flowers that thrive in colder temperatures and can withstand the indoor environment.
As one incorporates flowers into their living spaces or workspaces, they should consider using fresh flowers, potted flowering plants, or even dried flower arrangements. These flowers can be placed on windowsills, desks, or any area where one spends a significant amount of time. Also, remember to choose flowers that are easily available during the winter season or opt for hardy indoor plants that thrive in lower light conditions.
Some popular choices include Amaryllis flowers, known for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers. These bulb flowers can be grown indoors and bloom during the winter months. Cyclamen is a delicate flowering plant that comes in a range of colors and, definitely, adds a pop of brightness to any room. Orchids, on the other hand, with their elegant and long-lasting petals, are a popular choice for indoor flowers during the winter season. In fact, these flowers have their own national day!
A Natural and Effective Way to Beat the Winter Blues
Prioritizing one’s mental health and well-being is vital for human existence. Flowers, in effect, offer a natural and effective way to take care of one’s health and well-being by helping beat the winter blues and, in turn, uplifting spirits.
Choosing the right flowers and incorporating them into our daily lives, for that reason, helps in harnessing the positive impact of nature and creating an environment that promotes happiness, general well-being, and a sense of connection. Essentially, fresh flowers present the much-needed boost of positivity, more so during the wintery months.
