Blooms boost your mood--and more.
Flower power wasn’t just a late-60s thing. New research shows the sight and smell of flowers can change your brain chemistry and make you feel more positive, says Jeannette Haviland-Jones, PhD, professor of psychology and director of the Human Emotions Lab at Rutgers University. Here, other perks of living with flowers.
Reach for a bunch of gerbera daisies instead of a pint of Ben & Jerry’s when you’re down. In a study by Haviland-Jones, women who unexpectedly received flowers displayed instant happiness—and were still in good moods three days later.
Turn your home into a sanctuary with bright blossoms. In a Harvard Medical School study, people who kept fresh-cut flowers around the house felt less anxiety.
Keep blooms in your office for inspiration. Texas A&M University researchers found that women had more innovative ideas and solutions to problems when flowers were nearby.
Related links
"Is Our Happiness Preordained?" from Time.com
"Women's Work" from Time.com
