It’s finally May, and we should be expecting flowers any day now, right? We’ve been hearing the saying “April showers bring May flowers” for years, so flowers should be in our yards and homes this month — we hope!
Aside from flowers brightening up our homes, they also bring health benefits that help our bodies. Make sure you take time to smell the roses each time you can — you’ll enjoy the health benefits!
- Flowers enhance our mood.
The first glance at flowers can instantly improve your mood — and an increased mood brings health benefits. Because of their pleasant appearance and smell, flowers are proven to provide emotional boosts when you receive, plant or care for them. That’s why hospitals encourage people to send flowers: They can help patients recover more quickly.
- Flowers improve our memory.
According to a study done by researchers at Rutgers University, those that received flowers remembered more than those who didn’t receive flowers. Flowers and plants help oxygenate the air and boost brain cells, leading to improved memory, clarity and concentration.
- Flowers help heal the common cold.
Although you shouldn’t give up going to your doctor or taking prescribed medication when feeling ill, flowers can help shorten the life of a common cold by several hours. Usually during the winter months, the air lacks humidity, so flowers add moisture to the air. The moisture helps with dry skin, dry throat and dry cough; all factors that lead to seasonal illness.
- Flowers help us relax.
Ever wonder why flowery scents are common in many products that we use like soap, shampoo and candles? The smell of flowers helps us relax and wind down after a long day. Taking time to visit or work in a garden can be a relaxation booster as well. A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that participants who transplanted indoor plants were more relaxed than the individuals assigned to a computer task.
- Flowers increase our energy levels.
By the end of the work week, most of us are feeling tired and just want to relax. If this is you and you want your energy levels to perk up, spend time working with or looking at flowers to increase your energy levels. Flowers are also associated with raising creativity levels. Have flowers in your office if you wish to be more creative and energetic.
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