research shows flowers boost morning moods

I will bring you flowers, in the morning
Wild roses, as the sun begins to shine
Winter fruits and summer wine
Sweet perfume and columbine
                                                            -Doris

(NU) - Do you characterize yourself as a morning person? Probably not, according to mood research conducted by Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, which found that a majority of people are least positive in the morning.

The research did find, however, a creative, natural solution to give your mind and body an AM pick-me-up – flowers!  Participants in a behavioral study at Harvard reported being happier and more energetic after looking at flowers first thing in the morning, particularly in the kitchen, because it gave them an emotional boost that lasted well into their workdays.

"The morning blahs, it turns out, are a real phenomenon,” says Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., lead researcher in the study.  She adds that, “positive moods, such as happiness, friendliness, and warmth, tend to manifest themselves much later in the day. But, interestingly, when we placed a small bouquet of flowers into our subjects' morning routines, this rhythm changed and people perked up."

Simply incorporating flowers into your home, particularly in the kitchen, may be one of the best ways to boost your morning, and overall mood. Interior designer Rebecca Cole, host of the Discovery Channel's "Surprise by Design," has compiled several flower tips to help brighten your day:

* Play off of the accent colors in your kitchen. Look around and match flowers to decorative wall plates, placemats, or curtains to pull out key accent colors.

* For a sure-fire bang of modern beauty and simple elegance, select a variety of flowers in just one color family. For the kitchen table, cut stems short to stay below eye level.

* Make a big "wow" statement with one type of flower. Take off the leaves below the waterline, and place them in everyday kitchen containers such as a big jug, teapot, coffee tin, or water pitcher for a burst of cheer.

* Line three bud vases or decorative bottles, low or tall, along the middle of your kitchen table or along your sink for a fun, dramatic effect. It's also a great conversation starter when guests drop by.

* When arranging a variety of flowers, think about scale and texture. Mix large-headed flowers, such as sunflowers and dahlias, with smaller blooms. Also try adding some fun, textured blossoms, such as belles of Ireland or delphinium, with softer petals like sweetpea or lisianthus.

For more floral decorating and care tips and ideas, visit www.flowerpossibilities.com or www.aboutflowers.com.