There are no two ways about it: 2020 was a lot for us all to take in in South Wales. But, as we always do here, we forged ahead and made amazing things happen in the face of enormous uncertainty, but it wasn’t an easy task. This year, 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 has shown that the act of giving gifts makes people happy. Even happier than if we spent the money on ourselves. So, putting those ideas into practice, and 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 Japanese study showed that people with a small plant on their desk showed lower anxiety and stress levels after four weeks.
Alfred Palomares, Vice President of merchandising for leading gifting site Flowers.com told us……
“Plants are the perfect gift to help us relax and be happy. 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.”
Click on the image for more.
“The Red Maranta Prayer Plant also makes a great gift because it’s easy to care for. When gifting houseplants, you’re 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 first-time “plant parents.”
FLOWERS TO ENERGISE
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 colour. Bright colours have been shown to have their own positive psychological effects, from releasing “feel-good hormones” to increasing a person’s motivation.
One especially positive colour is yellow. It can have uplifting, illuminating and energising effects. Perhaps that’s why a yellow hue was chosen as one of Pantone’s colours of the year for 2021, and why it is featured prominently in the 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.
If you want to grow your own (the kids will love it) click on the picture below.
THE SHARED JOY OF GIFT GIVING
At the end of the day, there are a lot of ways to do gift-giving right. This year, 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.
There’s a really good book around called The Great Gardens Of Wales. We spoke to its author, Tony Russell recently.
If you’d like to listen to what he had to say, go here GARDENS.
You may want to take a look at these stoies too…..