In big cities, people spend most time indoors and are less surrounded by nature. This lifestyle can have a negative emotional and psychological impact. It has long been established that interacting with nature can improve mental and physical health. Therefore, to maintain a connection with nature, people often surround themselves with indoor plants and flowers.
The Importance of Plants in Everyday Life
First and foremost, wonderful aromas, beautiful shapes, and pleasant colors of flowers immediately enhance our mood. No holiday or celebration is complete without flowers as well. People give each other favorite flowers as a form of compliment, expressing their feelings and sharing. The presence of flowers indoors allows individuals to maintain a connection with the natural environment. People surround themselves with flowers to make their surroundings more comfortable, cozy, and conducive to relaxation and cultural activities.
Psychological Aspects of the Influence of Plants
Flowers can positively influence people’s emotions and moods. For example, according to An Environmental Approach To Positive Emotions study, women who got flowers as a gift had better mood even a few days later. Caring for flowers and interacting with them promotes the release of endorphins, substances in our bodies that make us feel satisfied and happy. For example, if someone is often under stress and feels depressed, sage can serve as a relaxing flower. If your favorite flower is chamomile, then you know how much better you can manage insomnia with its help.
Also, it’s important to note that flowers can affect people differently depending on their color:
- Yellow flowers evoke joy, a sense of confidence, and optimism
- Blue flowers help to calm down and relax
- Green flowers evoke a sense of peace and harmony, help relieve fatigue
- Purple flowers positively affect mental activity and help reduce nervous tension
- Pink flowers boost a positive mood
Physiological Benefits of Interacting with Plants
Having favorite flowers and herbs in the house, apartment, or even office can positively impact physical health. It’s well-known that flowers can:
- Improve blood circulation
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce anxiety
- Decrease stress level
Flowers can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, that allows you to slow down, calm down, and switch from a fast to a slower rhythm of life. A cozy indoor environment filled with flowers helps individuals relax and feel happier, recover from a hectic day, alleviate fatigue and aggression, and improve mood.
Don’t forget that flowers and indoor plants are also a source of oxygen. They can improve air quality by emitting pleasant and subtle scents. Many plants even can purify the air from toxins and harmful substances released by modern furniture and building materials.
Some flowers possess medicinal properties and can be used for therapeutic purposes. There is even a branch of medicine known as herbal medicine that uses flowers to improve mental and physical health. Flowers have healing properties that alleviate pain and inflammation, enhance blood circulation, and strengthen bodily systems. Special decoctions are prepared from them.
How to Choose Plants to Improve Your Psychophysical State
Each flower affects a person’s emotional state differently:
- Lavender soothes
- Geranium improves concentration
- Roses evoke positive emotions and reduce stress
- Peonies reduce anxiety
- Mint calms you down and helps focus
- Chamomile reduces stress and improves the quality of your sleep
When selecting flowers, it is essential to consider individual reactions. Some people may be allergic to pollen. If someone dislikes certain flowers, they will not experience the same positive effect as those who are flower-friendly.