Health effects of cherry blossoms: Peak bloom can help ease anxiety, tension
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Just as some people feel down and empty in autumn, similar emotional shifts can happen in spring. As the weather warms and flowers begin to bloom, people may feel oddly restless or get the urge to go somewhere.
At times like this, simply walking slowly along streets filled with the scent of flowers — especially cherry blossom-lined paths — can help calm the mind.
Why do cherry blossoms lift your mood?
Cherry blossoms have a positive effect on emotions.
A study by a research team at Gangneung-Wonju National University involving 80 people in their 20s found that spring flower scenery (including cherry blossoms, forsythia, azaleas and magnolias) is perceived as brighter and more beautiful than scenes without flowers and helps reduce feelings of depression.
Among all spring flowers, cherry blossoms were the most effective at lowering depressive feelings, likely because they promote a sense of comfort and reduce tension.
Cherry blossoms are seen in a residential area in Busan, March 23. Yonhap
Walking under cherry blossoms reduces stress
Walking along streets lined with cherry blossoms can also lower stress levels.
According to research from Rutgers University, flowers stimulate both visual and olfactory senses. This increases alpha waves, associated with relaxation. As a result, stress relief can be expected.
Because of these effects, cherry blossoms are widely used in horticultural therapy. Their soft pastel pink color especially helps create a calm, gentle mood.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.