Stress and being a mom go hand in hand. Even when things feel calm (ha!), there’s always that underlying stress — all the things you need to do and the hats you have to wear and the people you need to serve. It feels like it never ends. It’s no wonder that 68% of people feel stress on a weekly basis, and one in four women report feeling stressed multiple times a day, according to a recent survey by Wakefield Research. So what can we do to help with the constant weight of stress that is hanging over us?
It’s imperative that we take care of ourselves and seek a little calm in the storm. Sometimes the simplest things can really help us de-stress and feel just a little bit better as we face the day and all the constant demands of motherhood. A warm bath, a good workout, reading a book, some alone time, or treating myself (or a friend) to some flowers always brings a smile to my face and helps me feel just a bit more relaxed.
The best part about treating yourself or another amazing mom to some gorgeous flowers is that they last, and the whole family gets to enjoy them too. As someone who was, sadly, born without a green thumb, ordering or picking up fresh flowers is an easy way for me to put on a smile on someone else’s face (without me worrying too much about destroying them!). Plus, a recent study conducted at the University of North Florida shows that living with flowers, even just for a few days, helps to reduce our stress. These findings support other research that shows flowers help make people happy, strengthen compassionate feelings, help to foster creativity, and provide an energy boost (which all moms need). So, it’s a no-brainer that fresh flowers make any environment better, since they make you happier, help reduce stress, and generally improve health and well-being.
In addition to all those great stress-relieving benefits, flowers are versatile and easy to come by. It’s simple to swing by your local florist or market to pick up flowers for a gift, for yourself, or even for a quick and easy way to decorate your home. I’ve gotten into the habit of picking up a fresh bouquet whenever I can, even if it’s small and simple. I love to keep flowers right in the kitchen, which is the heart of my home. Everyone stops and sniffs them, they brighten up the room, and they make everyone smile.
Though giving is the best, there’s something really special about receiving flowers! Whether they show up on my doorstep or my husband or a friend hands them to me, they always bring a smile to my face. Flowers let me know someone is thinking about me, and they help me feel loved in this chaotic world of motherhood! The beautiful arrangement below showed up on my doorstep during a particularly stressful day. I don’t remember what had me so worked up that day, but I do remember opening my door and smiling big. They have been right by my workspace for a few days, and the bright colors and beautiful smells give me a little pause and help me refocus. It’s almost like a mini-meditation to help me power through the rest of my day!
