The Emotional and Mental Benefits of Gifting Flowers - Toronto Flower Story

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The Emotional and Mental Benefits of Gifting Flowers

September 25, 2023

The Emotional and Mental Benefits of Gifting Flowers

Throughout history, flowers have been presented as tokens of affection when words were inadequate. From birthdays and anniversaries to expressions of sympathy, flowers are a universal language of emotion that can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. Their natural attractiveness and energizing aromas have a near-magical ability to induce happiness and uplift spirits. But have you ever wondered why flowers make such exceptional presents? Let's examine the psychological effects of giving flowers.

The History of Gifting Flowers

Gifting flowers can instantly give happiness to the receiver

The exact historical origin of exchanging flowers among people remains uncertain. However, it is well-established that presenting flowers to others has been practiced since prehistoric times. The historical record and various myths provide evidence of the role of flowers in the social customs and traditions of ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, China, and Egypt. Greek mythology contains numerous instances wherein particular flowers represent various deities.

During the Victorian era, people stuck to the societal norm of refraining from verbalizing their emotions, considering them impolite. The Victorians practiced other customs like the act of offering flower bouquets. In the past, flowers were used to send secret messages. If you took a liking to someone, you would send them a solitary red rose. If they responded with a yellow carnation, it would be obvious that they were not interested. One example of their flower gifting practices is sending a bouquet of roses to the recipient upside-down, representing anger instead of love.

The Psychology Behind Gifting Flowers

There are several reasons why people gift flowers:

To Express Emotions.

Whether conveying love, pleasure, affection, appreciation, sympathy, romance, or apologies, flower-giving is the most elegant way to express one's deepest emotions practice conveys human emotions more effectively than giving flowers or bouquets.

To Express Immediate Happiness

Flowers can show genuine delight and appreciation, resulting in an instant smile. This instantaneous joy accompanies the giving of flowers on special occasions.

To Inspire

Flowers are renowned for brightening a space and prolonging pleasure and positivity. Adding flowers to your office or home can increase productivity, calm the mind, and promote a healthier, happier atmosphere.

To Foster Intimate Relationships

Because flowers are commonly used to express certain emotions, they are invaluable to forming intimate relationships. Everyone who has ever received flowers would concur that there is something quite sweet about the practice. Especially if you are presented with a bouquet of your favourite flower or colour, it shows that someone took the time to consider what you like best.

Impact of Flower Gifting on the Giver

Flower gifting also benefits the giver

Those who send flowers are regarded as successful, caring, and emotionally intelligent compared to those who send other gifts. It also demonstrates our capacity to create something meaningful, boosting our self-worth and instilling a sense of satisfaction when seeing the recipient's positive responses and appreciation.

Also, relationships are nurtured and strengthened through this act. When we take the time to understand a person's preferences and present a bouquet that resonates with them, we display genuine concern and care toward them, creating lasting memories and a deeper bond.

Impact of Receiving Flowers

There are several benefits when one receives flowers:

They affect your mood and emotional well-being

Flowers can have an uplifting and cheering effect on one's mood. Research indicates that the effect can last for days, making it far more potent than a handful of sweets!

Reduction of stress and anxiety

Flowers can alleviate a person's anxiety, concern, and blues, making them feel less depressed, disturbed, and agitated. They can induce a more optimistic outlook, increasing vitality and joy.

Boosting feelings of happiness and gratitude

Receiving flowers elicits genuine or ecstatic expressions of happiness and appreciation from the recipient. This increases oxytocin and improves their mood. That’s because when people receive flowers, they are reminded that someone is thinking of them, making them feel valued and loved.

Flowers and Mental Well-Being

The role of flowers in therapeutic environments

Buying a bouquet at a nearby market or simply being in a flower-filled garden may seem insignificant. However, research indicates that being near flowers can induce positive emotions, creative energy, and serenity. The vivid hues, delicate scents, and intricate arrangements of flower petals stimulate sensory responses, activating neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.

Flowers have been added to patient recovery programs to quicken healing and reduce anxiety. Studies indicate that patients with floral arrangements in their rooms tend to have reduced blood pressure and heart rates, demonstrating the remarkable healing effect of nature and flowers.

Influence on creativity, inspiration, and cognitive function

Particularly, making floral arrangements is a very therapeutic and creative process. When you pause, settle down, and mix or arrange flowers, you enter a state known as a flow, which improves your mental state, regulates your breathing patterns, and slows the pulse rate. When engaged in a creative endeavour, time vanishes, and we temporarily forget our troubles and frustrations.

Incorporating flowers into mindfulness and relaxation practices

Given the numerous psychological benefits of flowers, it is not surprising that they have been incorporated into our lives via various techniques and disciplines.

  • Aromatherapy and Flower Therapy - Similar to aromatherapy and essential oil therapy, which use natural plant extracts to promote well-being, flower therapy is a form of complementary medicine because it works on the vibrational levels of the body to repair mental conditions from the inside out.
  • Floral Arrangements - In hospitals, floral arrangements can improve one's mood. Arranging flowers can be a simple therapeutic activity anyone can appreciate. A floral arrangement program can also positively affect caregivers' mental health, crucial for maintaining their relationships with care recipients.
  • Art Therapy With Flowers - Art therapy uses visual arts to treat or alleviate mental and emotional disorders. As different colours elicit different emotions in individuals, incorporating flowers into one's artwork is an excellent way to learn more about oneself and improve one's sense of well-being.
  • Horticulture as Therapy - Gardening can provide numerous mental health benefits, including tension and anxiety relief. Gardening as a form of therapy, also known as horticultural therapy, originated in the 19th century among hospitalized war veterans undergoing rehabilitation.

The timeless tradition of giving flowers transcends history and culture, providing a universal language for expressing emotions that are often difficult to express with words alone. This simple gesture can improve our relationships with others and our inner selves.

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