Lots of people love having flowers delivered, and they make an ideal gift. But how do the flowers make us feel so good? If we receive a flower arrangement, then part of it is down to the knowledge that someone cares about us. But even if you order flowers by post for yourself, just having them in your home can do wonders for your health. In fact, flowers and plants have been used for centuries as medicine, and many plant extracts are still used today. Now, most of us aren’t going to start chopping up our plants and adding them to tea to get the health benefits, but luckily, you don’t need to. Research has shown that just by having plants and flowers in the home, you can boost your health and wellbeing. Here are a few ways they can help.
- Stress relief
Being surrounded by nature is a natural stress reliever, but research has investigated the physical effects of indoor plants and found them to be amazing at helping manage stress. According to studies, flowers and houseplants can help reduce the physiological effects of stress, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as helping with the psychological effects. Overall, people seem to be calmer and happier around plants, and it doesn’t seem to matter what ones they are.
- Improve focus and attention
One study found that compared to plastic plants or just images of plants, people who have real plants or flowers in their environment tend to be able to focus on tasks better. This is great if you need to study or just get on with a task. They didn’t specify which plants, so any kind will probably help, but considering mint is also known to improve focus, this could be a good one to start with.
- Mental health boost
Mental ill-health is a serious issue across the country, but simply engaging with and caring for flowers and plants can be a great way to boost mental health. Research has found that the process of caring for a houseplant can greatly improve feelings of self-worth and wellbeing, and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and even dementia. Working outside in a garden is the ideal scenario, if possible, but even looking after some plans in the home can have similar positive effects. The exact reason for the boost is not understood, but it has been suggested that caring for something else helps build mindfulness, which in itself is excellent for improved mental wellbeing.
- Help recovery times
When you have undergone surgery or are recovering from illness, then having plants and flowers to look at could help you get better quicker. One study found that patients who could see plants outside their window recovered from their illness much faster than patients who couldn’t. Researchers haven’t tested this theory in the home so far, but there is no reason not to give it a try. If they are flowers you particularly like, then this will probably help too. It’s also the perfect excuse to send flowers by post to someone if you know they are unwell.
- Better air quality
Flowers are natural air purifiers with their ability to absorb CO2 and other toxins from the air and pump out fresh oxygen. Considering we all need oxygen, and sadly spend more time indoors than ever before, it makes sense to include some plants and flowers in the home to help give you a natural boost.
