What Kind of Flowers Support Mental Health?

Flowers have been used for relaxation since forever. We even have sayings like, "Stop and smell the roses" to mean slow down and rest easy. Some flowers seem to work better than others, so this blog post will talk about the most popular ones.

Do Flowers Support Mental Health?

Flowers are not going to fix serious mental health issues. Where flowers can help is with a nice smell that calms. Many flowers smell sweet. And that seems to help support a positive mood or at least a sense of ease in many people.

Other than the scent, there are the colors. Think of a field of different kinds of flowers and how that adds a splash of color to the world. Adding that same splash of color outside or inside your house can brighten the space. Sometimes, it is just the "pick me up" you need.

Then there is caring for flowers. Taking care of flowers shifts your focus outside of yourself. Instead of stressing over the grocery list or all the chores you need to do, you focus on the flower in front of you. You trim the flowers. You water them. Those little actions might not seem like much, but they bring you into the present moment to care for something.

Together, the smell, color and ritual can support your mood. It's not guaranteed but many people use flowers this way.

Flowers that Help Mental Health

Everyone seems to have a favorite flower. Your favorite probably will make the most difference but there are other types you might want to try. Sunflowers are sunny and cheerful. Lavender is in almost every product that is supposed to help you relax. Roses, daisies or jasmine can all bring a smile when smiles are hard.

Tips for Using Flowers in Your Home

You can do simple things to get the benefits of flowers. The most obvious perhaps is keeping flowers in your home or at your office. Even small bundles of flowers can help support your mental health. Grocery store flowers on a random Tuesday count. So does planting a flowerbed full of flowers in your front yard.

When picking up flowers, remember to think about these things:

• Color
• Smell
• Sunlight
• Placement
• Watering needs

Choose flowers that don't demand a full-time caretaker. Select a sunny spot inside or outside of your home, ideally that you can easily see on a regular basis. A bit of time outside in the sun can also help reduce stress.

When To Reach Out

Flowers can help but they will not replace therapy or other mental health treatment. If you have questions or concerns about your mental health, please contact your Baptist Health Behavioral Health provider.

If you do not have a behavioral health provider, you can find one on our provider directory.