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Say it with flowers! The psychological effects of spring blooms

Green plants, colourful blooming flowers: each and every one of them can have a calming effect on our moods with their shapes, colours and smells. Spring blooms have a special power after the long grey winters – Marlen Gruner about the psychological effects of spring blooms in this new issue of sisterMAG.

Say it with flowers!
The psychological effects of spring blooms

 

Herbaceous plants, colourful flowers – they impact our well-being each in their own way. By their shape, their colour, their scent. Spring blossoms are particularly exciting because they have a very special power after the dreariness of winter.

The grey of winter has cleared, spring is in the air. With it comes a variety of flowers, bringing a benevolent effect on our well-being and leaving behind traces of bliss. How wonderful!

The psychological effects of spring blooms: A question of colour

Spring blossoms and all their nuances have an incredible effect on our mood. Colours, for example, do good for the soul after the grey days of winter. They stimulate your eyes and impact your well-being in many different ways…

Red

The warmth of red conveys a feeling of love and passion. No wonder that couples like to give each other flowers of this colour. Pink, on the other hand, also contains a red component and can ignite feelings of attraction. It is foremost a symbol of youth and beauty. These colours awaken the fire in us and our spirits.

Orange

This colour radiates energy, optimism, and joie de vivre, triggering warmth and pleasantness. Just think of Buddhists like the Dalai Lama, known for his orange clothes – the nuance expresses the highest level of human enlightenment in Buddhism.

Yellow

This is probably the spring colour par excellence, as it most resembles the season’s sun. No other shade exudes joy and warmth like yellow. It triggers feelings of freshness and power, especially in spring, and also stands for fertility.

White

White has largely discarded its reputation as an angelic colour, and therefore its connection with death. It is still considered a sign of immortality, but symbolizes purity, innocence and light. And there are more and more of them in spring. It is also extremely elegant, in keeping with the currently hip all-white furnishing style. Whoever gives white flowers as a gift also gives a touch of harmony and peace.

White and yellow

The mixture of both has a special meaning in colour psychology, symbolizing freshness and joy in equal measure. The mix triggers feelings of hope as well as brightness, nature and pure happiness in us.

Blue and purple

There are also nuances in the cool colour range. Blue, for example, stands for inspiration and creativity, and also stimulates both. The colour refreshes while at the same time having a cooling and relaxing effect. And, like purple, it symbolizes loyalty.

The psychological effects of spring blooms: The answer lies in the nature of the flower

The type of flower is also decisive when it comes to how it impacts your mood. One study, conducted by tollwasblumenmachen.de, found that looking at one’s favourite flower increases happiness by 200 per cent (3).

Tulips and daffodils

The creme de la creme of spring bloomers. They arouse a feeling of affection and well-being. In orange they look fascinating and a little exotic, in pink tenderly sweet, and in bright yellow they evoke the burgeoning sunshine of the new season. These flowers symbolize freshness and liveliness.

Ranunculus, peonies, lilac, chamomile

Ranunculus and peonies, on the other hand, are another type of spring flower full of effects. Their floral splendour is attractive and alluring. The lilac is just as strong in colour and form, with its scent alone giving off a hint of spring. Hyacinths, on the other hand, have a soothing, relaxing, and mood-enhancing effect. Chamomile is a little more delicate but no less effective, as it radiates a feeling of hope and comfort.

It’s blooming green! The effect of flowers in different locations

All spring bloomers have one thing in common: the colour green. It seems to want to shout “nature” the loudest, and therefore also seems the most natural. It radiates liveliness and has a balancing effect – like a walk through nature. This is anchored in our genes; after all, our ancestors spent most of their time outdoors, while today we often work indoors during daylight hours. In this regard, plants provide harmony. They invite a little piece of nature into the house. These can be within your own four walls, where the plants have a relaxing effect after a hard day’s work, or outside as a screen from neighbours and the street. Or, of course, at the office.

Flowers and plants – at work

British researchers led by Dr. Marlon Nieuwenhuis from the School of Psychology at Cardiff University found that plants have a positive effect on body, mind and soul. For example, two green plants within an employee’s view are said to increase productivity by 15 per cent (1). This benefits one’s physical, cognitive and emotional condition. While the colour serves a harmonizing effect, the plant ensures that pollutants are filtered out of the air, that it remains moist and that oxygen is generated. Previous studies have shown that office plants can reduce psychological stress and increase attention (2).

Flowers and plants – in the waiting room

Green has the same balancing effect in the doctor’s waiting room. Here plants can be used as eye-catchers or room dividers. In contrast to the sterile white of many medical facilities, plants can reduce anxiety ahead of a doctor’s visit. As symbols of nature, spring bloomers and other seasonal plants bring a touch of fresh colour with them, which has relaxing and calming effects. A botanical touch can turn even a waiting room into a pleasant place.

Flowers and plants – while shopping

Plants also play an important role while shopping, where fresh, natural greenery and spring-like or seasonal flowers create a cheerful atmosphere. Ultimately, this translates into a boost in one’s buying mood as greenery creates a feel-good factor and promotes customer loyalty. In restaurants, plants and flowers round off a concept tailored to the food on offer. In hotels, they radiate luxury and exoticism. In moving away from everyday life, the holiday vibe is enhanced by exotic plants that you may not find at home. Depending on the place, flower or plant and colour, different effects unfold again and again.

 

(1) https://m.forschung-und-wissen.de/nachrichten/oekonomie/pflanzen-im-buero-erhoehen-die-produktivitaet-13371995
(2) http://www.manager-magazin.de/lifestyle/artikel/warum-pflanzen-im-buero-die-produktivitaet-von-angestellten-steigern-a-989400-amp.html
(3) https://www.tollwasblumenmachen.de/