Your Brain on Blooms: Why Receiving Flowers Makes People Happier
ALT: Flowers for Happiness: How Beautiful Blooms Affect Your Brain ALT: The Science Behind Why Receiving Flowers Makes You Instantly Happier ALT: Why Receiving Flowers Makes People Happier
How to Choose the Perfect Arrangement to Spark Joy
KEY TAKEAWAYS
* Flowers can lower stress and enhance overall well-being
* Flowers can create life-affirming emotional bonds between people
* It’s important to consider the occasion, message, and the recipient’s personal preferences when choosing flowers
No one ever felt worse after receiving flowers. No matter the occasion, getting flowers will always brighten someone’s day. There’s serious science that backs this up. Because, beyond the beauty fresh blooms add to one’s life, receiving flowers can make you happier, healthier, and strengthen your relationships.
It’s not really a surprise when, according to the Society of American Florists, a staggering 80% of Americans say receiving flowers makes them happy. Why? Because it’s heart-warming to realize that someone is thinking of you and wants to make sure you feel valued. That’s why at BloomsyBox, our flowers are cut at their peak so they arrive farm-fresh, as beautiful and special as the moment they were intended for.
Are you thinking of sending someone flowers to show how much you care? Let’s look at all the reasons why flowers are the perfect way to deliver some joy to those you love.
How to Choose the Perfect Arrangement to Spark Joy
KEY TAKEAWAYS
* Flowers can lower stress and enhance overall well-being
* Flowers can create life-affirming emotional bonds between people
* It’s important to consider the occasion, message, and the recipient’s personal preferences when choosing flowers
No one ever felt worse after receiving flowers. No matter the occasion, getting flowers will always brighten someone’s day. There’s serious science that backs this up. Because, beyond the beauty fresh blooms add to one’s life, receiving flowers can make you happier, healthier, and strengthen your relationships.
It’s not really a surprise when, according to the Society of American Florists, a staggering 80% of Americans say receiving flowers makes them happy. Why? Because it’s heart-warming to realize that someone is thinking of you and wants to make sure you feel valued. That’s why at BloomsyBox, our flowers are cut at their peak so they arrive farm-fresh, as beautiful and special as the moment they were intended for.
Are you thinking of sending someone flowers to show how much you care? Let’s look at all the reasons why flowers are the perfect way to deliver some joy to those you love.
WHY DO FLOWERS MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY?
The idea that flowers make people happy is not an assumption. According to a study done by Rutgers University, the happiness that flowers bring can actually be measured. Researchers used three different scenarios to show the impact receiving flowers can make.
In Scenario #1, a group of women was chosen to receive flowers. Upon receiving them, the women all exhibited a classic “Duchenne” smile, a true smile that reaches and engages the eyes. While their smiles showed an immediate positive reaction, the same women reported that their happiness lasted three whole days. This highlights both short-term and long-term effects flowers can have.
And it’s not just women who enjoy receiving flowers. In Scenario #2 of the Rutgers study, both men and women were given either flowers or a pen as they stepped into an elevator. Those who had received flowers were more likely to smile and stand in a way that invited social interaction, as opposed to the impersonal stance taken by those who received a pen.
In Scenario #3, flowers were given to senior citizens, who reported improved mental health and stronger memory recall. These findings indicate that flowers don’t just make people happy. They have a profound effect on mood, social behaviors, and even the memory of people of all ages.
THE BRAIN CHEMISTRY BEHIND RECEIVING FLOWERS
The happiness that receiving flowers sparks goes much deeper than smiles and emotional declarations like, “You remembered!” when an anniversary bouquet arrives.
Flowers—both giving and receiving them— actually flood our brains with “happy” chemicals:
SEROTONIN: Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and social behavior. It’s commonly stimulated by the need for social acceptance. For instance, receiving flowers is a sign of an elevated social status. Therefore, the receiver feels properly rewarded, and, thus, serotonin is released. Giving flowers has a similar effect, making the giver feel important and part of a larger social group.
OXYTOCIN: Oxytocin is commonly referred to as the “bonding hormone,” bringing about a feeling of social acceptance and/or trust. Flowers are a concrete expression of that bond. They’re a way of showing that we’re ready to invest in a relationship and make the effort of establishing a closeness.
DOPAMINE: Dopamine is the “feel-good” hormone. It anticipates rewards and transmits feelings of pleasure to the body’s cells. Receiving flowers can be seen as a reward, triggering a dopamine rush.
ENDORPHINS: Endorphins are hormones released by the brain that act like natural mood boosters. They can be brought on by exercise or something pleasurable like receiving flowers. As a result, they flood the body with joy and peace.
WHY DO FLOWERS MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY?
The idea that flowers make people happy is not an assumption. According to a study done by Rutgers University, the happiness that flowers bring can actually be measured. Researchers used three different scenarios to show the impact receiving flowers can make.
In Scenario #1, a group of women was chosen to receive flowers. Upon receiving them, the women all exhibited a classic “Duchenne” smile, a true smile that reaches and engages the eyes. While their smiles showed an immediate positive reaction, the same women reported that their happiness lasted three whole days. This highlights both short-term and long-term effects flowers can have.
And it’s not just women who enjoy receiving flowers. In Scenario #2 of the Rutgers study, both men and women were given either flowers or a pen as they stepped into an elevator. Those who had received flowers were more likely to smile and stand in a way that invited social interaction, as opposed to the impersonal stance taken by those who received a pen.
In Scenario #3, flowers were given to senior citizens, who reported improved mental health and stronger memory recall. These findings indicate that flowers don’t just make people happy. They have a profound effect on mood, social behaviors, and even the memory of people of all ages.
THE BRAIN CHEMISTRY BEHIND RECEIVING FLOWERS
The happiness that receiving flowers sparks goes much deeper than smiles and emotional declarations like, “You remembered!” when an anniversary bouquet arrives.
Flowers—both giving and receiving them— actually flood our brains with “happy” chemicals:
SEROTONIN: Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and social behavior. It’s commonly stimulated by the need for social acceptance. For instance, receiving flowers is a sign of an elevated social status. Therefore, the receiver feels properly rewarded, and, thus, serotonin is released. Giving flowers has a similar effect, making the giver feel important and part of a larger social group.
OXYTOCIN: Oxytocin is commonly referred to as the “bonding hormone,” bringing about a feeling of social acceptance and/or trust. Flowers are a concrete expression of that bond. They’re a way of showing that we’re ready to invest in a relationship and make the effort of establishing a closeness.
DOPAMINE: Dopamine is the “feel-good” hormone. It anticipates rewards and transmits feelings of pleasure to the body’s cells. Receiving flowers can be seen as a reward, triggering a dopamine rush.
ENDORPHINS: Endorphins are hormones released by the brain that act like natural mood boosters. They can be brought on by exercise or something pleasurable like receiving flowers. As a result, they flood the body with joy and peace.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF FLOWERS
Sure, flowers are pretty to look at, but just the sight of them can reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, and help regulate emotions. According to a 2021 study, looking at flowers can lower cortisol levels in the body. During the COVID-19 lockdown, fifty participants were hooked up to EEG machines to monitor their heart rates and test their physiological responses.
The participants were given three minutes to look at white, red, and yellow flowers. After doing so, their brains showed a visible shift into a calmer, more relaxed state. Heart rates also slowed down, and their moods significantly improved. As their stress melted away, participants reported feeling in cheerier moods. Yet not all flowers are created equal. The study found that yellow flowers were the most calming, followed by red, and finally white.
Scent also plays a role in relieving stress and enhancing your overall health. Floral aromas can evoke powerful positive associations and emotions, decrease negative moods, and reduce cravings, stress, and inflammation. When you order from BloomsyBox, you’ll receive only the freshest flowers with their natural scent at their most potent, so the recipient gets the full range of health benefits from your gift.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF FLOWERS
Sure, flowers are pretty to look at, but just the sight of them can reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, and help regulate emotions. According to a 2021 study, looking at flowers can lower cortisol levels in the body. During the COVID-19 lockdown, fifty participants were hooked up to EEG machines to monitor their heart rates and test their physiological responses.
The participants were given three minutes to look at white, red, and yellow flowers. After doing so, their brains showed a visible shift into a calmer, more relaxed state. Heart rates also slowed down, and their moods significantly improved. As their stress melted away, participants reported feeling in cheerier moods. Yet not all flowers are created equal. The study found that yellow flowers were the most calming, followed by red, and finally white.
Scent also plays a role in relieving stress and enhancing your overall health. Floral aromas can evoke powerful positive associations and emotions, decrease negative moods, and reduce cravings, stress, and inflammation. When you order from BloomsyBox, you’ll receive only the freshest flowers with their natural scent at their most potent, so the recipient gets the full range of health benefits from your gift.
FLOWERS VS OTHER GIFTS: WHY FLOWERS WIN
When it comes to choosing a gift, flowers always come out on top.
Another study by Rutgers proves it.
In this study, participants were randomly assigned to receive one of three gifts: a bouquet of flowers, a fruit basket, or a candle. All three gifts had the same monetary value, pleasant odor, variety of colors, and were wrapped similarly in clear plastic with colorful bows. In the first 5 seconds after receiving the gift, 100% of participants in the flower group responded with the coveted Duchenne smile, a genuine smile of happiness. By contrast, 90% of fruit recipients and 77% of candle recipients produced a Duchenne smile.
Here’s where it gets interesting . . .
Those who received the gift basket and the candle reported that their positive mood faded almost immediately. Yet those who received flowers reported that their positive mood lasted two to three days. Unlike traditional florists who source from middlemen, BloomsyBox ships farm-fresh blooms that stay beautiful longer, giving the recipient even more days of happiness.
Plus, since flowers are usually displayed in a communal area, they become a talking point. This creates more opportunities to be social. And it turns out that flowers are even a better gift than money! Flowers are “worth” more since they can deepen any positive feelings that the recipient has toward the person who gave them the flowers.
WHY FLOWERS ARE THE PERFECT GIFT
What makes flowers the perfect gift is something that goes beyond their beauty. They’re a lasting emotional imprint. It’s that someone took the time to thoughtfully choose a bouquet of beautifully vibrant colors and scents that conveys their feelings about you. Giving flowers is a way of reinforcing the bond between the giver and the receiver. Receiving flowers is something that people remember. Of course, they’ll recall that you gave them roses or peonies or daisies, but the swell of emotions that your kindness brought will stay with them forever.
Flowers can speak for your heart when you don’t have the words. There’s a flower out there for every person and situation. Nothing says “I love you” like a bouquet of red roses, just as nothing shows warmth and goodwill like a sunflower. Flowers represent a meaningful connection between two people during a particular moment in time that will always be remembered. That moment may be a milestone, or it may be “just because,” but it will never be forgotten.
FLOWERS VS OTHER GIFTS: WHY FLOWERS WIN
When it comes to choosing a gift, flowers always come out on top.
Another study by Rutgers proves it.
In this study, participants were randomly assigned to receive one of three gifts: a bouquet of flowers, a fruit basket, or a candle. All three gifts had the same monetary value, pleasant odor, variety of colors, and were wrapped similarly in clear plastic with colorful bows. In the first 5 seconds after receiving the gift, 100% of participants in the flower group responded with the coveted Duchenne smile, a genuine smile of happiness. By contrast, 90% of fruit recipients and 77% of candle recipients produced a Duchenne smile.
Here’s where it gets interesting . . .
Those who received the gift basket and the candle reported that their positive mood faded almost immediately. Yet those who received flowers reported that their positive mood lasted two to three days. Unlike traditional florists who source from middlemen, BloomsyBox ships farm-fresh blooms that stay beautiful longer, giving the recipient even more days of happiness.
Plus, since flowers are usually displayed in a communal area, they become a talking point. This creates more opportunities to be social. And it turns out that flowers are even a better gift than money! Flowers are “worth” more since they can deepen any positive feelings that the recipient has toward the person who gave them the flowers.
WHY FLOWERS ARE THE PERFECT GIFT
What makes flowers the perfect gift is something that goes beyond their beauty. They’re a lasting emotional imprint. It’s that someone took the time to thoughtfully choose a bouquet of beautifully vibrant colors and scents that conveys their feelings about you. Giving flowers is a way of reinforcing the bond between the giver and the receiver. Receiving flowers is something that people remember. Of course, they’ll recall that you gave them roses or peonies or daisies, but the swell of emotions that your kindness brought will stay with them forever.
Flowers can speak for your heart when you don’t have the words. There’s a flower out there for every person and situation. Nothing says “I love you” like a bouquet of red roses, just as nothing shows warmth and goodwill like a sunflower. Flowers represent a meaningful connection between two people during a particular moment in time that will always be remembered. That moment may be a milestone, or it may be “just because,” but it will never be forgotten.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT FLOWERS
When sending someone flowers, it’s important to consider the following factors:
OCCASION + SIZE: Think about what kind of arrangement is appropriate for the occasion and relationship. This will usually dictate the size needed. Do you need a beautiful birthday bouquet that they can display on their coffee table? An enormous arrangement for a grand romantic gesture? Something that will fit on their nightstand as they recover from illness? Something that won’t take up space on their desk at work when you want to show gratitude? An elegant standing display for a funeral?
PERSONAL PREFERENCES: Personalized is always better than generic. If you can, send a bouquet of the recipient’s favorite flowers. It shows that you care enough to remember those small yet meaningful details about them.
MESSAGE: Different flowers carry different meanings. Match the appropriate flower to the message you want to send:
- Roses typically denote romantic feelings.
- Lilies are usually used to send condolences.
- Sunflowers express joy and friendship.
- Peonies softly whisper romance.
- Tulips for happiness and well wishes
- Daisies mean innocence, purity, and new beginnings
- Hydrangeas show gratitude
- Carnations for an apology
COLOR: Color also helps to convey feelings:
- Red: love, passion, romance
- Yellow: friendship, happiness, warmth
- White: purity, sympathy, new beginnings
- Purple: admiration, gratitude
- Pink: affection, appreciation, gentleness
SCENT: Of course, people love a sweet scent, but you should also consider who is receiving these flowers and the environment. For instance, If the receiver has allergies, it would be best to avoid flowers with strong scents like gardenias, honeysuckle, or jasmine. Instead, send lower-scent flowers like roses, tulips, and orchids.
It’s important to consider where the flowers will be displayed. If it’s a small space like an office, it may be a problem for coworkers with fragrance sensitivity. That’s why many hospitals prohibit heavily scented flowers for this reason. DELIVERY: Fresh flowers are time-sensitive. To ensure the flowers can be enjoyed for their full life span, ensure that someone will be home to receive them.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT FLOWERS
When sending someone flowers, it’s important to consider the following factors:
OCCASION + SIZE: Think about what kind of arrangement is appropriate for the occasion and relationship. This will usually dictate the size needed. Do you need a beautiful birthday bouquet that they can display on their coffee table? An enormous arrangement for a grand romantic gesture? Something that will fit on their nightstand as they recover from illness? Something that won’t take up space on their desk at work when you want to show gratitude? An elegant standing display for a funeral?
PERSONAL PREFERENCES: Personalized is always better than generic. If you can, send a bouquet of the recipient’s favorite flowers. It shows that you care enough to remember those small yet meaningful details about them.
MESSAGE: Different flowers carry different meanings. Match the appropriate flower to the message you want to send:
- Roses typically denote romantic feelings.
- Lilies are usually used to send condolences.
- Sunflowers express joy and friendship.
- Peonies softly whisper romance.
- Tulips for happiness and well wishes
- Daisies mean innocence, purity, and new beginnings
- Hydrangeas show gratitude
- Carnations for an apology
COLOR: Color also helps to convey feelings:
- Red: love, passion, romance
- Yellow: friendship, happiness, warmth
- White: purity, sympathy, new beginnings
- Purple: admiration, gratitude
- Pink: affection, appreciation, gentleness
SCENT: Of course, people love a sweet scent, but you should also consider who is receiving these flowers and the environment. For instance, If the receiver has allergies, it would be best to avoid flowers with strong scents like gardenias, honeysuckle, or jasmine. Instead, send lower-scent flowers like roses, tulips, and orchids.
It’s important to consider where the flowers will be displayed. If it’s a small space like an office, it may be a problem for coworkers with fragrance sensitivity. That’s why many hospitals prohibit heavily scented flowers for this reason. DELIVERY: Fresh flowers are time-sensitive. To ensure the flowers can be enjoyed for their full life span, ensure that someone will be home to receive them.
SEND SOMEONE HAPPINESS TODAY
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, a promotion, or just letting someone know you care, flowers can help you deliver the perfect message.
We have bouquets for every occasion, every budget, and every person on your list, designed to deliver a genuine smile the moment they arrive at the door.
And since BloomsyBox bouquets are harvested at their peak freshness, each flower looks as though it was picked just for them, making a naturally beautiful impression.
Our team of specialists can help you choose the perfect arrangement that shows someone exactly how you’re feeling.
SEND SOMEONE HAPPINESS TODAY
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, a promotion, or just letting someone know you care, flowers can help you deliver the perfect message.
We have bouquets for every occasion, every budget, and every person on your list, designed to deliver a genuine smile the moment they arrive at the door.
And since BloomsyBox bouquets are harvested at their peak freshness, each flower looks as though it was picked just for them, making a naturally beautiful impression.
Our team of specialists can help you choose the perfect arrangement that shows someone exactly how you’re feeling.