Help your anxiety: Can stuffed animals make you feel better? (2024)

FAQs

Help your anxiety: Can stuffed animals make you feel better? ›

Plush toys can reduce anxiety naturally by offering a sense of security. Especially during times of change, stuffed animals can bring a constant sense of companionship because you know the toy will be there at the end of the day. They help ease loneliness, which means you can never have too many.

It can provide emotional support and help adults self-soothe, particularly during times of stress or anxiety. The soft and familiar presence of a stuffed companion can create a sense of calm and comfort.

Many people already know that activities like yoga, exercise, meditation and talk therapy can help reduce anxiety.

Some ways to manage anxiety disorders include learning about anxiety, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, correct breathing techniques, dietary adjustments, exercise, learning to be assertive, building self-esteem, cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, structured problem solving, medication and support groups.

Though there is no robust scientific literature on the effect of stuffed animals on adult sleep, several studies have shown that plush companions can help adults self-soothe. A 2016 study observed that holding a stuffed animal during group therapy allowed college students to better comfort themselves.

Dogs and cats are the most common animals used for anxiety and depression. A dog is the best pet for a child with anxiety since they can be trained as service animals who will know how to address a situation where a child may have a severe attack, tremors, or seizures.

Weighted blankets have been praised for helping to combat anxiety and insomnia through pressure simulation that basically makes you feel like you're being hugged.

Distract yourself

Small things like leaving the room or going outside can be effective. One other technique that some people use when calming their anxiety is counting backwards. When trying out this technique, find a quiet place, close your eyes and count backwards until you feel your anxiety subside.

How can I manage my anxiety myself? ›

Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you're very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.

Studies have shown that embracing a plush toy triggers the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone.” This gentle touch of familiarity brings forth a sense of security, effectively reducing stress and anxiety levels, leading the way to a more peaceful slumber.

Is it OK to sleep with a stuffed animal? Experts say it's OK to sleep with your stuffed animal every night—even if you no longer sleep in your childhood bed. However, if your attachment to your stuffed animal impacts your work or relationships, that's usually a sign of a deeper issue that needs to be addressed.

Reduced stress and anxiety – The act of holding or cuddling a stuffed animal or plush toy can stimulate the release of oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone that promotes a sense of calm and well-being. In moments of distress, a stuffed animal can provide a tangible anchor of emotional comfort.

Plush toys can reduce anxiety naturally by offering a sense of security. Especially during times of change, stuffed animals can bring a constant sense of companionship because you know the toy will be there at the end of the day. They help ease loneliness, which means you can never have too many.

It's totally normal to sleep with a stuffed animal from your childhood. Experts say it can provide a sense of comfort and security and help soothe stress. However, if your attachment starts to interfere with your work or relationships, it could be indicative of a deeper problem that needs to be addressed.