British consumers proactively looking for a cure to this year’s bout of winter blues received a hot tip from the Metro publication: Buy flowers.
Citing Society of American Florists’ research from Rutgers University on the emotional impact of flowers, the news outlet shared that “the 10-month study show that flowers are natural and healthful moderators of moods. Those part of the trial reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving a bunch of flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and even life satisfaction.”
Indeed, the SAF study, led by Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Rutgers, found that the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.
“What’s most exciting about this study is that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can manage their day-to-day moods in a healthy and natural way,” said Haviland-Jones, Ph.D.
Among the key findings of the study — some of which are perfectly positioned to share with your customers:
- 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.
- Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Specifically, study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.
- Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.
“Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy,” said Haviland-Jones upon completion of the study. “Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional wellbeing.”
Read more about the Rutgers study.
Mary Westbrook is the editor in chief of Floral Management magazine.
