Did you know that flowers can bring smiles? They cause people to talk. Talk helps to beat depression. According to GardenSmart by Fran Sorin (USA Weekend – Jan 20-22, 2006 Issue)
We gardeners know that flowers bring happiness, and research confirms that correlation. Evolution Psychology published results of three recent Rutgers University Studies:
- FLOWERS BRING SMILES. Of 147 Women of varying ages, those who received flowers smiled significantly more than those who received fruit and sweets or a candle.
- A SINGLE BLOOM CREATES TALK. Another study took place in an elevator where a single flower was handed to a man or woman. Both women and men who were presented with a flower (rather than a pen or nothing) were more likely to smile. They were more likely to stand at a social distance (rather than an impersonal one) and were more likely to begin conversation.
- BOUQUETS BEAT DEPRESSION. Retirees, whose average age was 73, were asked to keep a diary of daily social interactions. Those who received bouquets were happier and perhaps less depressed than those who did not, and they scored higher on memory tasks. Let’s help.
Let’s help fight depression. Give fresh flowers to bring smiles!
