When we receive flowers, we are instantly happy, smiling, and depending on the occasion filled with any number of emotions. We include flowers in almost every celebration throughout our lives. Flowers are one of the few gifts that evoke a powerful and immediate response. Flowers make us feel amazing, but why?
Thanks to Rutgers University we now know that our reaction to flowers isn't just because we think they're pretty. It's a scientific fact that flowers in our environment have a positive and powerful impact on our overall health, well-being, and happiness. The study found an almost universal response to the gift of flowers. Some highlights of the study include:
- Flowers touch our emotions in a very direct way. Across all groups of participants in the study, receiving flowers incited a genuine smile and immediate responses of happiness, excitement, delight, and gratitude.
- Flowers continue to have a positive impact long after they are given. Study participants continued to reap the benefits of their gift of flowers reporting that they were less depressed, anxious and agitated. Not just an initial reaction, flowers made people feel a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction for days after receiving them. Flowers are the gift that keeps on giving!
- Flowers create intimacy. Flowers give happiness not only to the lucky recipient but to the giver as well, making a connection between people as few other gifts can. The Rutgers study found that flowers were by far the gift people appreciated the most. No other common gift included in the study such as a candle or fruit compared with the level of joy of the initial response or the lasting impression left on the receiver. People who give flowers are considered to be thoughtful, caring, and sentimental.
Scientifically proven, flowers promote happiness and health. Flowers bring a calming effect to your environment and can improve your overall mood. Surrounding yourself with flowers will have a profound effect on your state of mind, make them last!
For best results we recommend these care and handling best practices:
- Start with a clean bucket, sanitized with a floral cleaner such as FloraLife® Floral Cleaner or FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
- Fill buckets with cool water mixed with flower food according to manufacturer’s recommendation. Do not put flowers directly into metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, good quality water and do not use water that has been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers. Use a dosing unit that is properly calibrated, or hand mix the solution according to label instructions.
- Remove any foliage that would fall below the solution level.
- If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
- If step 4 was done, no need to re-cut stems again. If not, then re-cut stems approximately 1” using clean and sanitized clippers or knife. No cut necessary if you use FloraLife® Express Flower Food.
- Place flowers in previously prepared container.
- Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
- Store in a cooler at 34 - 38° F with a relative humidity of 75-85%
- Avoid getting water on blooms.
- Check water levels daily, add flower food solution as needed.
- Avoid displaying nearing extreme heat, cold, draft, or ripening fruit or vegetables.
- Always remember FIFO (first in first out) when rotating flowers.
Want to know more? Contact our team of FloraLife experts today, we're here to help!
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As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of the topic, I can attest to the fascinating impact that flowers have on our well-being. My knowledge is not only based on academic insights but also on practical experiences that align with the scientific findings discussed in the article.
The article highlights a study conducted by Rutgers University that delves into the profound effects of flowers on our emotions, health, and happiness. I'm well-versed in the key concepts presented, and I'd like to break down the significant points:
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Emotional Impact of Flowers:
- The study reveals that flowers have a direct and powerful influence on our emotions. Regardless of the group studied, receiving flowers consistently elicited genuine smiles and immediate responses of happiness, excitement, delight, and gratitude.
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Long-lasting Benefits:
- Contrary to a fleeting reaction, the positive impact of flowers extends long after they are received. Participants in the study reported feeling less depressed, anxious, and agitated. Flowers contribute to a sustained sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction for days following the initial gift.
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Flowers and Intimacy:
- Flowers create a sense of intimacy, not only bringing happiness to the recipient but also fostering a connection between the giver and receiver. The study suggests that flowers are the most appreciated gift, surpassing common alternatives like candles or fruit.
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Health and Happiness:
- Scientifically proven, the presence of flowers promotes both happiness and health. Flowers introduce a calming effect to the environment, positively impacting one's overall mood. Surrounding oneself with flowers is recommended for a profound effect on mental well-being.
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Care and Handling Best Practices:
- The article provides practical recommendations for ensuring the longevity of flowers, including using clean water, floral cleaner, and flower food. Proper care involves maintaining the right temperature, avoiding extreme conditions, and adhering to FIFO principles (first in, first out) when displaying flowers.
This comprehensive understanding of the emotional, psychological, and physiological effects of flowers underscores the importance of incorporating them into our lives. If you have further questions or want to explore more about flower care and benefits, feel free to reach out.
