Do I deserve to buy myself flowers? A Colchester Florist's Guide to Self-Care | Blog

In today's busy, modern world, it can be challenging to find time for yourself and enjoy life's little luxuries. As a Colchester florist, I often see customers hesitating at our flower shop, wondering if they deserve to treat themselves to beautiful blooms. The answer is yes - you absolutely deserve it, and let me tell you why. Did you know the positive impact of flowers has been scientifically studied? In 2005, a team of psychologists set out to understand why the giving, receiving, and enjoyment of flowers has had such a widespread influence across cultures for thousands of years. After all, enjoying flowers doesn't appear to offer any survival advantage and yet they've appeared in art, rituals, and records throughout history. Hooked on the idea that flowers must serve a deeper purpose, the researchers conducted a series of studies. Their findings confirmed what many of us instinctively know: flowers have a significant and lasting positive effect on mood and social behaviour. Not only did people respond with immediate joy when receiving flowers, but their mood stayed elevated for several days, outperforming the effect of receiving other types of gifts. Here at our Colchester florist shop, we see this transformation happen every day. Customers come in looking for flowers for others, but often leave with a little something for themselves too. And why shouldn't they? Showing yourself some love and kindness is also a great way to get that dopamine hit, without diving into the hidden chocolate stash. Treating yourself to a gift is a fantastic way to demonstrate self-kindness, and a bouquet from your local Colchester florist lasts a lot longer than a chocolate biscuit! Flowers and indoor plants are also proven stress busters. A 2020 study in Japan concluded that simply looking at flowers and plants in your home or workspace significantly reduces stress levels. A 2003 study also found that working in an environment with flowers enhances problem-solving and creative thinking, so your boss will thank you too! Whether you're visiting a Colchester florist for a special occasion or just because, buying flowers shouldn't be reserved just for Valentine's Day, nor only to give to someone else. They are such a lovely way to brighten your home or workspace and offer many benefits. Not only do they boost your productivity, but they also improve your mental health, reduce stress, and remind you that you are worth a bit of pampering! Next time you're in Colchester and thinking about treating yourself, remember that your local florist is here to help you choose the perfect blooms for your self-care moment. After all, everyone deserves to experience the joy that fresh flowers bring.