Ever wonder why people send flowers for
weddings, funerals, anniversaries, birthdays, get well wishes and every
major holiday you can name? After all, fresh flowers seem so extravagant.
You can't eat them (for the most part), most aren't medicinal, and after a
week or so, they wilt and are gone. Yet for thousands of years, humans have
spent much time and money cultivating these fleeting natural beauties.
Science has discovered at least part of the reason for our fascination with
flowers: they induce powerful, positive emotions.
In
one study, women always elicited the Duchenne or "true smile" when presented
with flowers. An increased positive mood could be measured for three days or
more after presentation. In another study,
a flower given to men or women in an elevator elicited more positive social
behavior than any other stimuli. A third study showed that flowers given to
participants aged 55+ evoked positive moods and improved memory.
Authors of these studies conclude that "Flowers have immediate and
long-term effects on emotional reactions, mood, social behaviors and even
memory for both males and females."
We always have fresh flowers in the house, whether it be a single red rose
or an entire vase bursting with color and fragrance. Considering the many
positive emotions evoked by fresh flowers, why wait until sickness or death
to send someone you love a beautiful bouquet?
Dr. Myatt's Recommendation: Don't wait for a special occasion to send
flowers to those you love. Remember to send flowers to yourself, too. After
having fresh flowers in your home for a week, you'll understand their
healing and uplifting powers and will probably never think of them as
"extravagant" again!
EASTER HOLIDAY NOTE: It's Not Too
Late to send flowers for Easter! Check out
My Favorite Flower Company with
their incredible array of choices, great prices and SAME DAY DELIVERY. They
make sending flowers easy and enjoyable.
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References
An Environmental Approach to Positive Emotion:
Flowers. Haviland-Jones, Hale Rosario, R. McGuire,
Evolutionary Psychology 3: 104-132,
17 April 2005.
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