How to Reduce Anxiety Naturally Using Flowers
If you’re feeling stressed and anxious, you’re not alone. The American Psychological Association’s annual survey on stress in America found that more people than ever are stressed, and they report a wider range of causes for their anxiety. The factors that cause us to be anxious aren’t always under our direct control—for example, worrying that the state of the economy may affect our jobs. This means that it is more important than ever to practice self-care, so that anxiety does not become overwhelming. One easy and surprisingly effective way to do this is with flowers.
Giving and receiving flowers are often associated with special occasions, which may make us overlook how they can be helpful to us every day. Several scientific studies have shown that the benefits of having flowers in the home and office are real and wide-ranging. A series of Rutgers studies in 2005 showed that flowers have both immediate and long-term positive effects on mood, social behavior, and even memory. A 2006 Harvard study confirmed that having flowers in the home led not only to increased happiness, but also to improved relaxation, energy, and compassion. So how can you put this knowledge to work for you?
The key to getting the benefits of flowers is to put them where you can enjoy them. Start by putting an arrangement of your favorite flowers right by your bed, where you’ll see them when you first wake up. The boost of energy and happiness you get from looking at them can be just the thing to set a positive mood for the rest of your day.
Then think about where else you spend the most time in your home. If you spend time in the kitchen every day making dinner, put a blooming orchid or a vase of daisies or daffodils where you can enjoy them while you cook. If you relax in your living room after a long day at work, a bowl of roses on the coffee table can help you unwind. And consider keeping fresh flowers in your entry way to greet you whenever you arrive home, to reinforce the idea that your home is your haven.
You can increase the anxiety-reducing impact of the flowers you choose by personalizing your selections. Are there particular flowers you associate with happy memories or favorite times of year? If tulips evoke the excitement of springtime, pick up a bunch at the market to put on your dining room table. Are there particular floral scents you find soothing? Choose bouquets that fill your space with pleasant aromas to help alleviate stress. Even your color selection can help enhance the effect of your flower choice. If you’re feeling down, yellow or orange flowers can provide a sunny remedy, and the green of their foliage provide a calming backdrop.
In short, there’s no wrong way to incorporate flowers into your environment to help reduce anxiety. In our fast-paced world, taking a moment to stop and smell the roses may be one of the easiest possible ways to take good care of ourselves.
