April 23, 2024 by llhalladay
The other day, a friend said, “I think spring flowers are the prettiest,” and I would have to agree. I believe the appeal of spring flowers is deeper than just the visual appeal of the flowers themselves but also the joy we experience being reminded of beauty and life after winter. It is not your imagination; spring brings us joy. The dawn of spring brings longer days, increased exposure to sunlight, and warmer weather that gets us outside and moving. All these factors contribute to an increase in our body’s production of serotonin. The hormone and neurotransmitter serotonin help regulate our mood by reducing the feeling of sadness and influence our learning, memory, and happiness. Serotonin is a natural mood booster released by exercise, exposure to sun or bright light, and the natural environment.
Flowers have a positive impact on your mood, especially the act of giving or receiving flowers. Research by Dr. Jeannette Haviland-Jones and team shows that in three different studies, receiving flowers stimulates positive emotions, improves mood, and contributes to positive social behaviors.
I am not much of a gardener, but one thing I enjoy every spring is the variety of daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips that bloom each year. I love to cut some of these and bring them to bring joy into the house; this year, we placed them on the mantel and changed the arrangement each week; it not only brightened the space but also gave us an amazing fragrance that even on these rainy April days reminded me that spring has arrived.
Consider incorporating spring bulbs in your garden for next year or planting a variety of bulbs in a container to enjoy a beautiful spring display. Don’t wait for a special occasion to gift fresh flowers; growing a garden, harvesting flowers, and gifting fresh flowers are scientifically proven ways to feel fulfilled and to share joy and positivity with others.
Written by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Program Specialist, Ohio State University Extension
Reviewed by: Kate Shumaker, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County
References:
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Serotonin: What is it, Function & Levels. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin
Haviland-Jones, J., Rosario, H. H., Wilson, P., & McGuire, T. R. (2005). An Environmental Approach to Positive Emotion: Flowers. Evolutionary Psychology, 3, 104–132.
Pokorny, K. (2023, July 3). Pot up some bulbs and dream of Spring. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/pot-some-bulbs-dream-spring-0
Photo Credit:Hand Holding Bouquet © [powerstock] / Adobe Stock
Hello Spring © [ludmila_m] / Adobe Stock
July 10, 2024
April Showers Brings May Flowers | Live Healthy Live Well
maximios Blog
April 23, 2024 by llhalladay
The other day, a friend said, “I think spring flowers are the prettiest,” and I would have to agree. I believe the appeal of spring flowers is deeper than just the visual appeal of the flowers themselves but also the joy we experience being reminded of beauty and life after winter. It is not your imagination; spring brings us joy. The dawn of spring brings longer days, increased exposure to sunlight, and warmer weather that gets us outside and moving. All these factors contribute to an increase in our body’s production of serotonin. The hormone and neurotransmitter serotonin help regulate our mood by reducing the feeling of sadness and influence our learning, memory, and happiness. Serotonin is a natural mood booster released by exercise, exposure to sun or bright light, and the natural environment.
Flowers have a positive impact on your mood, especially the act of giving or receiving flowers. Research by Dr. Jeannette Haviland-Jones and team shows that in three different studies, receiving flowers stimulates positive emotions, improves mood, and contributes to positive social behaviors.
I am not much of a gardener, but one thing I enjoy every spring is the variety of daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips that bloom each year. I love to cut some of these and bring them to bring joy into the house; this year, we placed them on the mantel and changed the arrangement each week; it not only brightened the space but also gave us an amazing fragrance that even on these rainy April days reminded me that spring has arrived.
Consider incorporating spring bulbs in your garden for next year or planting a variety of bulbs in a container to enjoy a beautiful spring display. Don’t wait for a special occasion to gift fresh flowers; growing a garden, harvesting flowers, and gifting fresh flowers are scientifically proven ways to feel fulfilled and to share joy and positivity with others.
Written by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Program Specialist, Ohio State University Extension
Reviewed by: Kate Shumaker, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County
References:
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Serotonin: What is it, Function & Levels. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin
Haviland-Jones, J., Rosario, H. H., Wilson, P., & McGuire, T. R. (2005). An Environmental Approach to Positive Emotion: Flowers. Evolutionary Psychology, 3, 104–132.
Pokorny, K. (2023, July 3). Pot up some bulbs and dream of Spring. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/pot-some-bulbs-dream-spring-0
Photo Credit:Hand Holding Bouquet © [powerstock] / Adobe Stock
Hello Spring © [ludmila_m] / Adobe Stock