The Science Behind Why Flowers Make Us Happy
If you’ve ever felt your shoulders drop the moment you step into the field at Harvey Family Farm (Johnson City, TN), you’re not imagining it. New research shows that flowers and plants actually lift mood, lower stress, and help us think more clearly. Here’s a friendly, research-backed guide (with local tips!) you can share with anyone searching for things to do in Johnson City, the Tri-Cities, or East Tennessee that seriously supports mental health!
Highlights
Flowers lift the mood fast. Studies show immediate mood lifts (and even better social behavior) when people receive flowers.
Plants calm the body. Interacting with plants lowers blood pressure and quiets the stress response.
Nature helps your brain recover. Gentle, “softly fascinating” scenes—like flower rows at golden hour—restore attention and mental energy.
Healing environments are real. Patients with views of nature or flowers recover faster and report less pain and anxiety.
1) Flowers = instant mood boosters
Researchers have found that receiving flowers produces genuine happiness and even improves social connection. Some findings also suggest longer‑lasting effects like better recall in older adults. In simple terms: flowers trigger joy!
At the farm: Build a bouquet for a friend, or bring a small bunch to church—acts of giving amplify the mood boost for both of you.
2) Plants calm your nervous system
Getting your hands on plants (like cutting stems, arranging blooms, or transplanting) has been shown to lower diastolic blood pressure and reduce sympathetic nervous system activity (that “fight or flight” feeling). No wonder a slow stroll down the zinnia rows feels like exhaling.
At the farm: Visit during cooler hours (sunrise/sunset) and add a few deep breaths while you pick. Consider a short, quiet picnic to let your body fully downshift.
3) Nature restores attention (goodbye, brain fog)
According to Attention Restoration Theory, natural settings offer “soft fascination”—gentle, effortless interest that gives your focus a rest and recharges mental energy. Think: the sway of sunflowers, the hum of pollinators, repeating rows of color.
At the farm: If you’ve had a screen‑heavy day, give yourself 20 unhurried minutes among the flowers. Many visitors tell us they leave with clearer heads (and fuller hearts).
4) Healing environments: more than a feeling
Hospital studies show that views of trees and flowers from patient’s rooms are linked to faster recovery, less pain medication, and lower anxiety. Translation: nature isn’t just nice—it’s physiologically meaningful & incredibly healing.
At the farm: Planning a girls’ day, church outing, or team meetup? Mixing fresh air, gentle walking, and bouquet‑making is a simple formula for a physical & mental reset..
5) Scent matters, too
Aromas from some flowers and herbs (like lavender and chamomile) have been associated with reduced stress and improved mood in various studies. Scents cue memories, and positive memories often cue better moods.
At the farm: Rub a lavender stem between your fingers while you pick; add a few fragrant sprigs to your bouquet for a slow‑release mood lift on the ride home.
How to use this research on your next visit
Choose your moment: Cooler hours = happier blooms and calmer bodies. As we head into the fall, we’ll have more of these cooler hours each day.
Build intention: Pick a color theme (yellow = uplifting, blue/white = calming) and name your bouquet (“Tuesday Reset,” “Date Night,” etc.).
Make it social: Bring a friend or group—shared experiences increase positive emotion.
Linger: Sit, sip water, breathe. Let the field do its quiet work before you head out.
Planning a visit? If you’re looking for things to do in Johnson City or the Tri‑Cities, our self‑serve, you‑pick fields are open sunrise to sunset in season. Come see why flowers feel so good.
References
Haviland‑Jones, J. et al. (2005). An Environmental Approach to Positive Emotion: Flowers. Evolutionary Psychology. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/147470490500300109
Park, S.‑H., & Mattson, R. (2009). Ornamental indoor plants in hospital rooms enhanced health outcomes of patients recovering from surgery. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19715461/
Ulrich, R. (1984). View Through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery. Science.https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.6143402
Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory (overview & systematic review): University of Exeter ECEHH. https://www.ecehh.org/research/attention-restoration-theory-a-systematic-review/
Lee, M. et al. (2015). Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress… Journal of Physiological Anthropology. PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4419447/
Kobayashi, H. et al. (2019). Physiological benefits of viewing nature: a systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6926748/
Fung, T.K.H. et al. (2021). Therapeutic effects of essential oils… Frontiers in Pharmacology. PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8125361/