Psychologist Nancy Etcoff of Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital studies the effect of flowers on mood and emotions of people. Her research team found that when bouquets of flowers were placed into the morning routines of adult workers, the flowers served as a pick-me-up and contributed to a feeling of well-being into the day. Etcoff also investigated the psychological effects of flowers in the home. People living with flowers in the home for as short a period as one week felt increased compassion for others and noted a reduction in anxiety, worry, and the blues. The benefits of living with flowers at home carried over to the workplace where participants experienced more energy, happiness, and enthusiasm at work.
A study by Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Rutger’s University, noted that receiving a bouquet of flowers can have an immediate affect on happiness; eyes light up and smiles appear. Other studies have reported flowers and plants in hospital recovery rooms or viewed outdoors from the windows contribute to faster healing of patients.
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