Science says to buy more flowers. You’re welcome.

Home + Dine

Apr 5

The other day I found myself reading a giant study about the scientific effects of fresh flowers on lifetime happiness.

Yes, that is exactly the kind of nerds we are around here. If that sounds like your kind of fun as well, I’ll leave it here for you, but let me warn you that it's a long 28-page read… so maybe we can just jump straight to the takeaway. You should buy yourself flowers. It’s science.

Here are the selling points, according to the experts:

The mere presence of flowers directly triggers happy emotions

Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. ALL study participants expressed “true” or “excited” smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups. Like a love of Tom Hanks.

Flowers have a long-term positive effect on your mood

Specifically, participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious, and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction. So… you know, there’s that. I now get the heavy presence of flower shops in hospitals and airports. They should probably also stick one in the lobby of my dentist’s office for good measure.

They universally make any space more welcoming

The study also explored where in their homes people display flowers. The arrangements were placed in areas of the home that are open to visitors, suggesting that flowers are a symbol for sharing. That may be true, but personally, we think fresh flowers are a really quick way to feel like you’re a fully put-together adult (Kinda like getting your nails done) so we say bonus points for keeping a secret, just-for-you bouquet in your closet.

So with all that in the Pro column, why is this still something we tend to have a hard time treating ourselves to? Why do we give small pleasures and pretty things as gifts, but not to ourselves?

We talk a lot around here about the amorphous concept of self-care, and small ways that we can be more intentional about treating ourselves the same way we would someone we care about. I would submit that this is a really easy way to dip your toe into the deep pool of practical self-love. Don’t wait for a gift.

Don’t wait for a holiday. Don’t wait for your mother-in-law to visit. Just stop at the front of your supermarket and grab yourself a bouquet of whatever makes you smile to look at it. Science said so.