“Flower Power!” is Real – 5 Health Benefits of Flowers
Even though Spring may still feel far away in Alaska, we can still enjoy flowers by growing some at home, buying them at a local grocery or stopping by your local nursery. Flowers have a way of brightening our moods and they have other health benefits as well. Our Alaskan winters can sometimes feel long, so how about bringing a little bit of spring into our lives? You might find that flowers have some hidden powers along the way.
“Flower Power” isn’t just a meaningless slogan we started hearing in the 60’s, it’s actually backed by science and truth. Flowers DO have power. We often just think of flowers as something we add to our gardens to bring in color and beauty, bring into our homes to add charm, or carefully select for loved ones for special occasions. Flowers have many superpowers, but we’ve just gathered 5 of them to share with you today.
Flower Superpower #1 – Mood lifters
Flowers are often associated with positive experiences and gifts. As mentioned in opening they are often hand selected for loved ones for special occasions. These colorful little blossoms are a simple, yet impactful, reminder that somebody cares. Flowers look nice, and often smell good. These activate two of our senses: sight and smell. These senses can improve mood and provide an emotional boost. Our moods affect our health and recovery time. Often hospitals include green spaces on site to increase the exposure to plants and flowers and shorted the durations of patient recovery time. People who are happier are more likely to bounce back from an injury or illness. Flowers = improved mood = improved health!
Flower Superpower #2 – Memory Booster
Flowers are a superfood for our brain cells. No, we aren’t eating them, although you can eat some flowers, but flowers do feed our brain cells. How? Plants and flowers oxygenate the air. Increased oxygen in the air helps to boost our brain cells, which helps to improve memory, clarity and concentration. How is that for awesome?
Flower Superpower #3 – Common Cold Buster
Ok, so they can’t cure the common cold, boo, but they can certainly help. Winter air is often lacking in humidity which is one of the contributors to increased infections and illness. A lack of moisture causes dry skin, dry throat, dry cough… all those annoying symptoms associated with the common cold. How do flowers help? Flowers add moisture to the air! Flowers help bust the common cold, or at least shortening the duration, by using their powers to add moisture to the air and combat that wicked dry air.
Flower Superpower #4 – Increased Energy
Move over energy drinks and caffeine! Flowers have a healthier option. Fresh flowers are linked to an increase in positive energy. The color and scents improve energy, boost creativity, and increase your mental energy. Reading or doing brain games near a flowerpot will help you to not only enjoy the view, but also the mental health benefits.
Flower Superpower #5 – Relaxation Aid
Plants and flowers are often used in essential oils, massage oils, candles, bath products. Why? Because the scents are often linked with relaxation. What do you think of when you think of the scent of lavender? Restful sleep? Bubble baths? Also, caring for flowers and plants in our gardens is a healthy way to work through stress and frustration while activating multiple senses.
‘Flower Power’ is a real thing. These are just a few of the many benefits you can derive from plants and flowers. Flowers can’t use their superpowers on you unless you take the time to expose yourself to them. The short version? Stop and take time to smell the roses, because your mental, physical, and emotional well-being depend on it. Let’s bring some spring into our Alaskan homes and watch the flowers use their powers!
