Beautiful flower gardens have been a part of our world for thousands of years. Yet, flowers don’t provide us with food, clothing fibers, or any other item considered necessary for survival.

So, why do we spend so much time planting and caring for flowers?

A recent study conducted at Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey, offers a good answer to that question. In the study, they came up with scientific proof that flowers do make us happy, by supporting our emotional well being.

The study was conducted under the direction of Jeannette M. Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., a psychologist and internationally known expert in emotional development in human behavior.

Dr. Haviland-Jones says, “What’s most exciting about this study is that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can manage their day-to-day moods in a healthy and natural way.”

The study lasted for 10 months and produced proof of the following:

• Flowers immediately affect happiness levels
• The impact of flowers is positive and long-term
• Flowers help build stronger connections between people

In the stressful world we live in, isn’t it nice to know that by taking the simple step of purchasing flowers, you can quickly improve your own mood or someone else’s?

And, better yet, the flowers you buy for yourself will make those who see them happy as well.

Just place them in a high-traffic area like the entryway to your home, on your kitchen table, or in the family’s sitting room.

Dr. Haviland-Jones agrees, saying, “Flowers bring about positive emotional feelings in those who enter a room. They make the space more welcoming and create a sharing atmosphere.”

Want to boost the mood of your employees and customers? Place flowers in your lobby and in areas used by your employees, like the break room, cafeteria, or meeting rooms.

You’ll benefit from having a more beautiful workplace and you’ll see more smiles around the office. Improved morale can also increase employee productivity, so your small purchase of flowers can result in huge returns!

Your florist can help you choose the perfect flowers for any occasion and can even help you pick the right flowers to match the recipient’s personality or the space they’ll be placed in.

Just pick up the phone and call or visit the flower shop to discuss what you need and what you’d like to achieve to bring more happiness to your life and those of others using flowers.