Are you tired of dreary winter days? Do you remember the song, ” Hello Walls?” Yes, you’re looking at those same walls, and windows and ceilings, day after day, You wonder if you can hang on until Spring without having a minor meltdown. Cheer up! There is one thing you can do to brighten your life right now. You can go to the store and buy a bunch of daffodils or daisies, and enjoy the solace of fresh flowers.
Many years ago, we visited East Germany right after the Berlin Wall had come down. It was shocking to see evidence of bombings from World War II still intact—broken out windows, shattered buildings. Those people were just coming out of a very dark period in their history. And yet, everywhere you looked, you saw men and women walking along the streets with bouquets of fresh flowers. That sent me a message I’ve never forgotten. When times are tough, take the time to stop and smell the roses.
You may think of flowers as a luxury or an extravagance. I suppose they are, since they will start to wilt in in a few days. But so what? By then, they’ve done their job of boosting your mood every time you gaze at them, and smell their lovely fragrance.
Several scientific studies have proven the health benefits of fresh flowers.
The Journal of Evolutionary Psychology reported that women who received fresh flowers felt happier for up to three days, and that flowers given to elderly people boosted their memory.
Another study showed that hospital patients who had fresh flowers in their room recovered faster, and felt less pain, anxiety and stress.
In Tokyo a Japanese study offered proof that office workers felt more positive and relaxed after just four minutes of looking at a bouquet of roses. The effect on their mood was similar to the positive feelings you experience while walking in a beautiful park.
If you’re sick of winter and looking to boost your mood, flowers are a better investment that chocolate or wine. They last longer, and don’t have any calories.
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old Time is still a-flying;
And this same flower that smiles today
To-morrow will be dying.
Robert Herrick , 1647