Living with anxiety can be challenging, and finding effective coping mechanisms is crucial. Some people have discovered the therapeutic benefits of stuffed animals. Although commonly associated with childhood, stuffed animals can provide comfort, security, and relief for adults experiencing anxiety. This blog post will explore why stuffed animals have become popular for managing stress and anxiety. We will also explore how they can positively impact adults’ well-being.

How Stuffed Animals Help with Anxiety

1. Familiarity and Comfort

Stuffed animals evoke feelings of familiarity and comfort. Their soft textures, gentle shapes, and friendly appearances create a sense of security and emotional support. For adults with anxiety, this familiarity can be essential, as it helps reduce feelings of unease and provides a sense of stability during moments of stress or panic.

Stuffed animals can also remind you to practice self-care. They can physically represent self-care and offer comfort and support when needed. They can also help cultivate security and emotional well-being.

2. Emotional Regulation

Anxiety often comes with intense emotions that can be overwhelming to manage. Stuffed animals can be a tool for emotional regulation, allowing individuals to redirect their focus and channel their energy into a tangible object. Holding, cuddling, or simply interacting with a stuffed animal can soothe anxiety symptoms, promote relaxation, and provide a safe outlet for emotional release.

Stuffed animals can also reduce loneliness and provide comfort in difficult situations. They can be used as a form of self-expression to build self-esteem. Additionally, they can be used as a source of emotional support and a reminder of the presence of loved ones.

3. Mindfulness and Grounding

One effective technique for managing anxiety is grounding in the present moment. Stuffed animals can play a significant role in this practice by providing a physical anchor. Their presence and tactile sensations can help individuals stay grounded, redirect their attention away from anxious thoughts, and focus on the present. Adults with anxiety can create a calming and mindful experience that promotes peace and tranquility by engaging with a stuffed animal.

This mindful experience can lead to better concentration, improved problem-solving skills, and greater emotional regulation. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety and increase feelings of security and safety.

4. Non-judgmental Companionship

Living with anxiety can sometimes feel isolating, but stuffed animals offer non-judgmental companionship without the fear of being misunderstood or criticized. They provide a safe space to express emotions and thoughts without fear of judgment freely. Stuffed animals are excellent listeners, offering comfort and reassurance through their silent presence.

This sense of emotional understanding is beneficial for someone struggling with anxiety. Stuffed animals can also remind you to pay attention to your mental health.

5. Symbolic Representation

Stuffed animals can also serve as symbolic representations of strength, courage, and resilience. By selecting a specific animal that resonates with their emotions, adults with anxiety can create a visual representation of their journey. This symbolism can remind them of their strength and determination to overcome fear, fostering a sense of empowerment and motivation.

This symbolic representation can also be comforting in times of distress, providing a source of support. Additionally, it can be a reminder to practice self-care and self-compassion and to keep going despite the obstacles.

6. Help Cope with Trauma

People who have been neglected or abused as children can benefit from stuffed animals. Various types of therapy use stuffed animals to treat issues related to trauma. For example, a trauma survivor can recover from traumatic childhood experiences by caring for and loving stuffed animals to help them re-parent. By doing so, trauma sufferers can feel happier and more confident, and less self-hatred. Rose M. Barlow, Professor of Psychology at Boise State University, notes, “Animals, whether live or stuffed, can aid therapy for children and adults by providing an outlet for emotions and a sense of unconditional support.”

Studies on the Effectiveness of Stuffed Animals

According to a study published in Psychological Science in 2013, holding a teddy bear can reduce existential fear in people with low self-esteem.

In March 2022, a study published in the journal PLOS One provided additional insight into why these objects might be comforting—in a joint project with Annie Lywood, a textile specialist who creates products for people with sensory needs, Alice Haynes, the former member of the soft robotics team at Bristol Robotics Laboratory, tested out a breathing cushion that students could use to relieve anxiety before an exam.

In the test group, students held an inflatable cushion the size of a throw pillow for eight minutes before their exam. The pillow inflated and deflated automatically, mimicking inhaling and exhaling. While one control group meditated, the other did not. According to Haynes and her team, clutching a stuffed breathing cushion reduced anxiety just as much as doing a guided meditation.

Squishmallows for Anxiety Treatment

Squishmallows are soft stuffed animals that have become increasingly popular. Following the COVID-19 lockdown, Squishmallow sales increased rapidly, according to KellyToy co-president and creator of Squishmallows, Jonathan Kelly. During the 2020 holiday season, Gordon the Shark was the second-most searched-for toy on Google. 

In his opinion, fans often describe Squishmallows as coping mechanisms and a way to relieve stress and anxiety. In fact, one survey of 140 UCF students found that 55% had recently bought Squishmallows.

Takeaway

While stuffed animals are often associated with childhood, they have proven valuable companions for adults with anxiety. Their familiarity, comforting nature, and emotional benefits make them practical for managing anxiety symptoms. By providing a sense of security, emotional regulation, mindfulness, companionship, and symbolic representation, these soft and cuddly creatures offer solace during anxiety episodes and serve as a reminder of resilience and strength. If you’re an adult struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to explore the therapeutic power of stuffed animals – you might be surprised by their comfort.

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