C RY D E R
P O I N T
JANUARY 16
How to gift happiness in 2021
(BPT)–There are no two ways about it:
2020 was a lot to take in. We forged ahead
and made amazing things happen in the
face of enormous uncertainty, but it wasn’t
an easy task. In 2021, everyone’s looking
to grow their happiness and share it with
others. It’s only natural, and fortunately
research has given us some solid ideas of
where to start.
A 2008 study out of the Harvard Business
School and the University of British
Columbia has shown that the act of giving
gifts makes people happy. Even happier
than if we spent the money on ourselves.
So, to make everyone more cheerful, here
are some smile-inducing (and stress-reducing)
gift ideas for 2021.
PLANTS TO CALM AND
CHEER
If you’ve never heard of the term ‘biophilia’
that’s OK, most people haven’t.
It’s a theory that says humans naturally
seek out and benefit from connections
to nature. Research has backed up this
theory, particularly with the study of
houseplants. Houseplants can do everything
from bettering our concentration
to improving our well-being. A
2019 Japanese study showed that people
with a small plant on their desk showed
lower anxiety and stress levels after four
weeks.
“Plants are the perfect gift to help us
relax and be happy,” said Alfred Palomares,
vice president of merchandising
for leading gifting site 1-800-Flowers.com.
“For folks looking for a way to connect in
2021, you can’t go wrong with the Prayer
Plant, deemed our plant of the year. Its
leaves fold together at night like praying
hands, making it a wonderful reminder to
be thankful and calm.”
The Red Maranta Prayer Plant also
makes a great gift because it’s easy to care
for. When gifting houseplants, you’re
16 CRYDER POINT COURIER | JANUARY 2021 | WWW.QUEENSCOURIER.COM
hoping to give your loved one something
that will last for months or years to come.
Choosing a hardy species will help make
that a reality, while a finicky plant might
backfire and cause more stress for firsttime
“plant parents.”
FLOWERS TO
ENERGIZE
Another gift scientifically proven to
drive happiness, according to a Rutgers
University study, is a lovely bouquet of cut
flowers. What’s more, flowers provide an
instant burst of color. Bright colors have
been shown to have their own positive
psychological effects, from releasing “feelgood
hormones” to increasing a person’s
motivation.
One especially positive color is yellow.
It can have uplifting, illuminating and
energizing effects. Perhaps that’s why a
yellow hue was chosen as one of Pantone’s
colors of the year for 2021, and
why it is featured prominently in the
1-800-Flowers.com flower of the year:
sunflowers.
Gifting a sunflower bouquet is an easy
way to spread happiness. Not only do they
boast bright, cheerful colors, they’re also
a large bloom that lasts more than a week
after being cut.
THE SHARED JOY OF
GIFT-GIVING
At the end of the day, there are a lot of
ways to do gift-giving right. In 2021, look
for presents that channel a strong sense of
optimism and positivity. After all, those
are feelings we all craved more of during
2020.
Remember, whatever gifts you give,
there’s happiness to be had all around. The
joy of giving is equal to the joy of receiving,
which makes gifting a sure-fire way to
grow happiness in 2021.
Beyond beautiful: How plants improve mental and physical wellness
(BPT)–Flowers and plants are staples in many American
homes, adding to the style and aesthetic of virtually
any space. While the visual benefits of plants are widely
embraced, many people are unaware of the ways plants
can support mental and physical well-being, too.
“Plants offer countless benefits beyond beauty,” explains
Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising
at 1-800-Flowers.com. “From improving air quality
to having calming and healing benefits, plants are such an
important component to keep in your home.”
Palomares lends insight into the top benefits of plants
and which species you should consider placing in your
favorite spaces.
STRESS REDUCTION
Have you ever noticed that when you visit a garden or
park, you instantly feel at ease? Greenery has the innate
ability to calm and reduce stress. The sights and smells
promote calm and a feeling of escape, which is particularly
important during times of stress.
Work is a top source of stress for many people, so it makes
sense that plants are a smart addition to workspaces. The
study “The positive effects of office plants” by Nursery Papers
Technical researched plants in the workplace and found
employees had many beneficial experiences, including:
* Depression/dejection reduced by 58%
* Anger/hostility reduced by 44%
* Tension/anxiety reduced by 37%
* Confusion reduced by 30%
Because many people are now working from home and
children are attending school remotely, add plants to office
and study spaces to reduce stress and make the space
more welcoming.
Plant to consider: Lavender has delicate purple buds
that offer a splash of color to the space and a scent that
fills a room with its calm-invoking characteristics.
A HOME OFFICE THAT
NURTURES
For your home office in particular, choose furnishings
and decor that improve your comfort, functionality and
focus. Make sure your chair is ergonomic and adjusted
at the right height for your desk, and that the space has
adequate lighting and ventilation.
Plants suitable for a home office should be easy to
maintain, and will not take over the space. For example,
a hanging plant that won’t use up valuable desk space can
add a welcome touch of green.
Plant to consider: English Ivy can beautifully spruce up
your work area.
IMPROVE AIR QUALITY
Plants can improve air quality by decreasing the levels
of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air by up
to 89%, according to a report by the NASA Stennis Space
Center. VOCs are commonly found in household items
and paints, and include formaldehyde, benzene and trichlorethylene,
among others.
Many green houseplants have the ability to:
* Reduce carbon dioxide levels in a home
* Control humidity levels
* Reduce indoor pollution levels
* Reduce airborne dust levels
* Add oxygen to the air
Plant to consider: Peace Lily can remove pollutants and
absorb harmful substances like ammonia and xylene that
may be present in your home, plus has a pleasant scent
when in bloom.
HEALING AND HEALTHPROMOTING
Plants are believed to calm and promote healing in people
of all ages. In fact, just looking at pictures of plants
can have a positive impact. The reason? Scientists believe
that the calming effects of nature images can reduce cortisol
levels and improve mood, effectively speeding up the
healing process.
Of course live plants are the ideal. A Journal of Alternative
Complementary Medicine article found that patients
recovering from surgery with plants and flowers in their
room have experienced:
* Lower blood pressure and heart rate
* Lower ratings of pain, anxiety and fatigue
* Fewer intakes of pain medication
Whether you’re recovering from an illness or simply
want to promote the overall wellness of the people who
live in your home, consider placing plants throughout the
most-used spaces to reap the benefits.
Plant to consider: Aloe Vera is an ancient natural remedy
that not only adds visual appeal, but the clear gel
from the plant’s leaves also soothes the skin.
“The power of plants is incredible,” says Palomares.
“Whether you bring plants into your own home to promote
calm and wellness, or you gift to a loved one as a
special surprise, greenery is a wonderful way to elevate a
space in numerous ways.”
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