Flowers and Pandemic: How Flowers and Greens at Home can Help Us Heal Emotionally

Did you know that plants and flowers can make you happier during a difficult time? It’s true. It’s backed by research.

The current pandemic may have the most negative impact emotionally to us in recent history. Millions affected by the threat of the COVID- 19 may have also been experiencing emotional instability in the past months. This may include heightened fear, anxiety, and depression.

Plants and Moods

In the midst of fear and search for emotional help, the presence of greens and blooms in the house gives us astonishing benefits- one of which is boosting a positive mood.

Charles Hall and Melinda Knuth in 2019 emphasized that flowers and ornamental plants increase levels of positive energy and help people feel secure and relaxed ⁽¹⁾. Having more positive emotions actually helps sorting and seeing events in a broader perspective. As a result, one can easily keep the negative thoughts, and therefore emotions, at bay.

But you know what’s more amazing?

According to a study, women who received flowers had more positive moods even three days later.⁽²⁾

Plants and Grannies

Dr. Haviland-Jones noted that instinct tells us that flowers lift our spirits and that their effects on seniors are especially deep.

More than younger people, it seems the elderly have deeper connection with plants in terms of sensory and emotions. This would explain lots of grannies turning to gardening as they get older. Plants calm them and make them happier. In fact, the Society of American Florists remarked that  those who receive flowers demonstrate a higher sense of joy and life satisfaction ⁽³⁾.

Plants and We

During such a tough time like this, it is amazing that we still think of other people’s welfare other than our own. We still send gifts of Flowers and Greens to give people we love our support emotionally.

As much as it is touching, it is not surprising because giving and receiving of plants and flowers make both the giver and the receiver happier. As much as the receiver feels special, valued, and cared for having received such gift, the giver is as satisfied and glad that he makes someone feel that way.

Sending flowers and greens to our loved ones during this time not only serve as a gift but also as a beautiful way of sending our thoughts and love. Now that sending them a bunch has been made easier and more convenient, you can easily make someone happier today when the time is rough.

References:

• Hall, Charles R., and Knuth, Melinda. 2019. An Update of the Literature Supporting the Well-Being Benefits of Plants: Part 2 Physiological Health Benefits. : Journal of Environmental Horticulture 37(2):63–73. 8

• Haviland-Jones, J., Rosario, H.H., Wilson, P., and McGuire, T. R. 2005. An Environmental Approach to Positive Emotion: Flowers Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Department of Psychology, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ. 08903, Evolutionary Psychology human-nature.com/ep. 3: 104-132 9

• Society of American Florists: Flowers and Morning Moods study https://aboutflowers.com/quick-links/healthbenefits-research/flowers-and-morning-moods/