Spring is finally here. The snow has melted, the grass is beginning to turn green again and even the buildings inside are starting to sprout plants.
As I was sitting in the Student Union, a woman was walking around with pots of flowers shoved under her arms. She was going to each empty table and placing a pot down, trying to bring the spirit of the season indoors. They are just three little tulips piled into dirt and tin foil, but they immediately changed the mood of the room as soon as they entered.
The colors made the room seem cheerier, and the gloom of the rain clouds outside almost disappeared from thought after the bright pink and purple buds made their appearance in my sight. But I believe flowers just have that ability; they can make any situation feel better, which is probably why people receive flowers in the hospital, during a funeral, at weddings or when a husband needs to score a few brownie points with his wife.
And I’m not the only one who recognizes the, excuse the ‘60s terminology, “flower power”. A study at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, showed that nature can improve emotional health. The studies there showed three findings:
1. Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness in all age groups tested.
2. Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods as participants felt less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers.
3. Flowers make intimate connections, leading to increased contact with family and friends.
So, if you’re feeling down, go out and buy some flowers. They are nature’s way of saying, “Get well soon”.
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