NATURE'S STRESS BUSTERS

Feeling a little stressed? Need an energy boost? Buy some flowers. Taking the time to stop & smell the roses could do more than you think. According to a recent Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital study, people who made a point of looking at flowers first thing in the morning reported feeling cheerier and even more energetic throughout the day. Beyond their physical beauty, flowers possess distinct sensory qualities that can boost energy, tame tension and brighten your mood. Essential oils derived from plants and flowers have been proven to increase oxygen flow to the brain, stimulating positive feelings that can balance energy levels or have a calming effect. These oils are often used in aromatherapy treatments to both soothe and stimulate the senses.

Which flowers can help you stay calm? By pairing floral scents with their rich natural color, they can act as a relaxant and alleviate stress.

• Considered a natural remedy for a range of ailments, lavender's scent and color can prompt your body to produce a calming compound, improving sleep and promoting relaxation.
• Lilac is another stress-relieving scent. It is found to have a claming effect, which can promote a feeling of well-being and increase relaxation.
• Relax with Bells of Ireland: Green, a calming color, can help you relax and breathe slowly and more deeply, all of which can help slow the production of stress hormones.
• Get a good night's sleep with delphiniums: The blue hue of this flower relaxes and naturally creates a soothing atmosphere.