This article is part of our VICE Weekends summer series, presented by Weis
Having fresh flowers in your home can boost well-being and subtly work to lift us out of all sorts of different funks. Not just aesthetically pleasing and sweet smelling, the blooms of a plant sitting on a kitchen bench are known to bring improved moods to those close by. Sort of like a reverse horcrux.
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In his book Eight Weeks to Optimum Health, Dr Andrew Weil recommends purchasing flowers on the regular to reduce stress and bring beauty into your domestic life. “I have recommended that both men and women keep fresh flowers in the home for their beauty, fragrance, and the lift they give our spirits,” he says.
A behavioural research study conducted at Harvard University by Dr Nancy Etcoff and her research team, showed that people felt an increase in feelings of compassion and kindness for others, had less worry and anxiety, and generally felt less bummed out overall when flowers are present in their home. “Our results suggest that flowers have a positive impact on our well-being,” Dr Etcoff says.
“Other research has proven that flowers make people happy when they receive them. What we didn’t know is that spending a few days with flowers in the home can affect a wide variety of feelings.”
Living with fresh cut flowers also had a positive carry-over impact on participants moods at work. People were more likely to feel happier and have more enthusiasm and energy at their job when flowers were in their home environment. “By starting the day in a more positive mood, you are likely to transfer those happier feelings to others–it’s what is called mood contagion.”
Bringing the outdoors inside and clocking a bright bouquet first thing in the morning is a good way to start your day. Plus, your space could use a splash of colour probably.
In general, less saturated colours are more relaxing, and bright bold colours are more energising. Of course any flowers will do, but considering the peony is considered the ‘king of flowers’ and symbolises wealth and good fortune, why not start there?
“The morning blahs, it turns out, is a real phenomenon. Interestingly, when we placed a small bouquet of flowers into their morning routines, people perked up,” Dr Etcoff says.
This article is presented by Weis
