Posted on August 01, 2022 by Andrea Forsberg
Few things are more inspiring or peace-inducing than the sight of beautiful flowers. Flowers have a plethora of psychological benefits. Believe it or not, flowers have the power to improve mental health issues including lowering stress levels and reducing anxiety.
How Do Flowers Reduce Stress?
Flowers in all their bright, beautiful glory can help increase positive energy, which can grow into positive emotions and positive experiences. Flowers just have a way of making someone feel better and it's easy to imagine why they might be great for reducing stress.
In addition to their aesthetics, flowers release chemicals called Mycobacterium vaccae that signals the brain to release serotonin. Serotonin is known as a “feel good” hormone that lifts mood and brings on a sense of calm.
We suggest that you take a moment to stop and literally smell the roses, or whatever beautiful bloom you are near to reap its stress-reducing benefits.
How Do Flowers Help with Stress & Anxiety?
The serotonin released from Mycobacterium vaccae can also help with anxiety and should be considered a natural way to help balance your mood if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Types of Flowers That Can Improve Mental Health
Many flowers have been linked to improved mood and increased mental well-being. Amazingly, each of the flowers on this list has different properties that act as triggers for the brain to open up and work overtime to push out negative thoughts.
Here are some flowers to consider if you’re looking for support to reduce stress and feelings of anxiety:
- Lavender - It’s no surprise that lavender makes the list of plants that reduce stress and anxiety. Lavender can be found in products, from lotions to pillow sprays, all claiming to aid in relaxation which is key to combating stress. Lavender is believed by some to go beyond stress and anxiety reduction, to alleviate mild forms of pain.
- Jasmine - The calming scent of jasmine provides therapeutic benefits. Jasmine is often infused into medicinal alternatives for conditions like depression, stress, anxiety, and even insomnia.
- Chamomile - Chamomile is another well-known plant lauded for its relaxation benefits. Chamomile inspires calm.
- Snake Plant - Snake plants work by improving the quality of indoor air, and by absorbing toxic pollutants from the environment. Your mood and energy levels may both increase when you add a snake plant to your home.
- Aloe Vera - Aloe vera is a cool-looking plant, but it also has the power to purify the air, making it great for anxiety and stress reduction.
- Peace Lily - The peace lily packs a real punch as an indoor plant, filtering harmful toxins out of the air. Having a peace lily in your home can improve air quality and subsequently improve your mood and your mental health.
- Rosemary - Rosemary is far more than an ingredient used in recipes. Studies have found that fresh rosemary can reduce stress by lowering the level of cortisol in the bloodstream.
Each of these flowers makes excellent indoor plants to try for their healing properties and stress-reducing benefits.
Choose A Plant to Improve Your Mental Health
We believe that plant ownership can be a wonderful way to practice natural, healthy self-care. Contact the team at Flower Works to speak to one of our floral curators and we can help you choose a plant that will bring joy and peace to your home.
Posted in Be happy, Flowers Can Help with Stress & Anxiety, stress
As an enthusiast in psychology, mental health, and botany, my expertise aligns well with the fascinating benefits of flowers on mental well-being described in the article by Andrea Forsberg. My knowledge stems from a combination of academic study, practical experience, and ongoing research in these interconnected fields.
The article discusses the profound impact of flowers on reducing stress and anxiety, citing scientific evidence related to their psychological benefits. The key concepts covered include:
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Psychological Benefits of Flowers: Flowers have been shown to have a multitude of psychological benefits, including lowering stress levels and reducing anxiety. These effects are attributed to the positive emotions and experiences evoked by the vibrant and aesthetically pleasing nature of flowers.
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Biological Mechanisms: Flowers release chemicals, such as Mycobacterium vaccae, which trigger the brain to release serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and is often referred to as a "feel good" hormone that induces calmness and elevates mood.
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Specific Flowers and Their Benefits:
- Lavender: Known for its stress and anxiety reduction properties, lavender is believed to promote relaxation, potentially alleviating mild forms of pain.
- Jasmine: The calming scent of jasmine offers therapeutic benefits and is commonly used in products targeting depression, stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
- Chamomile: Renowned for its calming effects, chamomile inspires a sense of calmness and relaxation.
- Snake Plant: Acts by improving indoor air quality and absorbing toxic pollutants, potentially boosting mood and energy levels.
- Aloe Vera: Apart from its aesthetic appeal, aloe vera purifies the air and is beneficial for reducing anxiety and stress.
- Peace Lily: Known for its air-purifying abilities, having a peace lily at home can enhance air quality and subsequently improve mood and mental health.
- Rosemary: Beyond culinary uses, studies suggest that fresh rosemary can lower cortisol levels in the bloodstream, thereby reducing stress.
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Indoor Plants for Mental Health: The article emphasizes the significance of incorporating these flowers as indoor plants to experience their healing and stress-reducing properties.
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Recommendation for Plant Ownership: The article encourages readers to consider owning these plants as a form of natural self-care for improving mental health and suggests consulting floral experts for guidance on choosing the right plant.
The information provided underscores the scientifically backed psychological benefits of flowers and specific plants, offering a compelling case for utilizing nature's beauty to promote mental well-being.
