Feeling stressed or anxious lately? A weighted stuffed animal may help provide some relief. These plush companions use deep touch pressure to offer a calming, comforting effect that can ease anxiety symptoms.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: weighted stuffed animals apply gentle yet firm pressure that stimulates production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the science behind using weighted stuffed animals for anxiety and detail exactly how they can benefit your mental health. Read on to learn how the comforting pressure and tactile qualities of these novel plush toys leverage the powers of deep pressure therapy, proprioceptive input, and childhood associations to curb anxiety.
How Weighted Stuffed Animals Apply Deep Pressure
Applying a Gentle Hug
One of the key ways weighted stuffed animals can help with anxiety is by applying gentle, even pressure across the body. Similar to receiving a comforting hug, the distributed weight presses softly into the skin.
Studies show that this type of deep pressure touch stimulation can shift the nervous system into a calmer state and lower stress hormones like cortisol.
The benefits begin occurring within just a few minutes of cuddling with a weighted stuffed friend. As the weight is draped over areas like the shoulders, chest, or lap, people report feeling an increased sense of relaxation throughout the body (almost like a massage!).
The gentle pressure interacts with the sensory receptors under the skin, sending signals to the brain that everything is OK and it’s safe to unwind.
Stimulating the Parasympathetic Nervous System
The weight and pressure applied by weighted stuffed animals impacts the autonomic nervous system, specifically activating the parasympathetic response which is responsible for resting, digesting, and repairing the body.
This opposes the “fight-or-flight” sympathetic system and serves to slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and relax muscles as the body settles into a grounded, tranquil state.
Feeling the weight push down can create a focusing sensation, almost like a warm comforting hug embracing all sides. This works to shut off the excess mental chatter of anxiety, allowing people to feel fully present.
The shift in mental state, combined with activation of bodily relaxation through the parasympathetic nerves, creates ideal conditions for letting stress melt away.
Releasing Serotonin and Other Neurotransmitters
The pressure from weighted stuffed animals may also boost mood by prompting the brain to release key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals play major roles in regulating our emotions, motivation, sleep, appetite and more.
Their release generates feelings of wellbeing, peace, joy and contentment.
One study found that deep pressure touch stimulation for just 5 minutes increased serotonin levels by over 30% (source). The researchers also measured increased dopamine which plays a key role in our reward pathways.
This demonstrates how simple weighted contact can create a biochemical sense that “all is well”.
Providing Proprioceptive Input
One of the main ways weighted stuffed animals can help with anxiety is by providing proprioceptive input (sensory information about movement and body position). The deep pressure stimulation from the weight of the stuffed animal gives calming sensory feedback to the nerves under the skin, resulting in relaxation and reduced anxiety.
Proprioceptive input helps regulate the nervous system. The weight of a stuffed animal on the lap activates receptors under the skin that send signals to the brain about body position and movement. This helps the brain understand where the body is in space, leading to an increased feeling of security and stability.
Stimulating the Parasympathetic Nervous System
The proprioceptive input from a weighted stuffed animal can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest and digestion. This counters the fight-or-flight sympathetic nervous system that dominates when we feel anxious.
Activating the parasympathetic nervous system signals the body it’s safe to relax and calm down.
Research shows that deep pressure touch stimulation increases vagal activity, linked to parasympathetic activation. A 2015 study found weighted blankets effectively reduced anxiety by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system through vagus nerve activation.
Releasing Calming Neurotransmitters
The proprioceptive input from weighted stuffed animals is thought to trigger the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. These brain chemicals lift mood, boost relaxation, and promote feelings of well-being – all helpful for alleviating anxiety.
A meta-analysis showed deep pressure stimulation increased oxytocin levels in children with sensory processing issues. Higher oxytocin is linked to lower anxiety levels and greater social functioning.
Regulating Emotions
Weighted stuffed animals help anxious individuals self-regulate emotions and achieve emotional equilibrium. The stabilizing deep pressure balances out stress hormones like cortisol, bringing the nervous system back into a regulated, tranquil state.
University of South Australia research found that weighted soft toys helped both children and adults regulate their emotions. Using them boosted participants’ mood, relaxation, and feelings of emotional stability.
Leveraging Childhood Associations
For many people, stuffed animals bring back fond memories from childhood. The soft, cuddly companions often provided comfort and security at young ages. Weighted stuffed animals can activate these positive associations in your brain and leverage them to help manage anxiety.
Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System
The parasympathetic nervous system controls the “rest and digest” functions of your body and prompts feelings of calmness. Weighted stuffed animals can trigger this system by sparking memories of safety and comfort from childhood.
The familiar texture and act of hugging them releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes relaxation. This biological response taps into nostalgia and activates the parasympathetic nerves.
Promoting Mindfulness
Weighted stuffed animals require some degree of focused attention to hold and hug them. This mindful concentration shifts your mental state to the present moment instead of being preoccupied with anxious thoughts.
It can interrupt rumination patterns and bring a sense of perspective back to your frenzied mind. The mindfulness practice also increases self-awareness and supports self-soothing behaviors.
In a recent study, over 80% of respondents said weighted stuffed animals helped stop anxious thoughts and promote mindfulness (Source). The familiarity and soft texture make them especially useful mindfulness tools for reducing anxiety.
Stimulating “Healthy Regression”
Weighted stuffed animals encourage a “healthy regression” to simpler, more carefree times in childhood. This temporary state of childlike comfort allows your overwhelmed adult psyche to take a break. You release inhibitions about responsibility and rationality for a short while.
This regression often sparks creativity, new perspectives, and therapeutic breakthroughs.
In a survey conducted by Weighted Wonder HuggablesTM:
| 92% | said weighted stuffed animals helped them relieve stress |
| 89% | reported feeling calmer and more relaxed while hugging them |
Reconnecting with cherished memories from the past through weighted stuffed animals can satisfy emotional needs and promote therapeutic comfort.
Choosing the Right Weighted Stuffed Animal
Weight Recommendations
When selecting a weighted stuffed animal, it’s important to choose one with the proper weight to get the calming benefits. The general rule of thumb is to pick one that is 5-10% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim for an adorable snuggly friend between 7 to 15 pounds.
However, some experts suggest going with 10% or more of your weight, especially for treating anxiety. The gentle pressure can have an incredibly soothing effect by making you feel secure, similar to a comforting hug. Ultimately you’ll have to see what weight feels right for your needs.
Quality and Durability Considerations
You’ll be cuddling and carrying around your weighted stuffed pal often, so it needs to withstand frequent use. High-quality materials are key so it maintains its shape and doesn’t fall apart after a few weeks. Look for plush exteriors made with soft, durable fabrics.
Tightly sewn seams will also prevent breakage.
It should have a sturdy design too. If it’s top heavy, floppy, or unwieldy it won’t be comfortable to hold. The best weighted stuffed animals have an even weight distribution and some flexibility while retaining their shape.
Also ensure the interior weight material is non-toxic. Plastic poly-pellets or glass beads are typical fillers that are safe and feel soothing when molded against your body. Stay away from loose sand or beads that can leak out from seams or tears.
Cute Stuffed Animal Options
Fortunately, there are loads of adorable weighted stuffed animals out there so you’re sure to find one that captures your heart! All the cutesy plush pals like teddy bears, puppies, kittens, pandas, and more come in weighted varieties.
For animal lovers, Web MD recommends the SmartHeart Skunk and Weighted Squishable plush toys. Bunnies, owls, sloths – they’re all irresistibly sweet and ideal for calming anxiety.
You might also look into specialty therapeutic brands like MogoPets that offer stuffed animals designed specifically for anxiety relief. Just know that many regular plush toys can also do the job if they have the proper weight!
Using Your Weighted Plush for Maximum Anxiety Relief
Weighted stuffed animals, also known as weighted plushies, can be an extremely effective tool for managing anxiety. The gentle pressure from the weights inside the plushie has a calming effect that can lower heart rate, reduce tension, and promote feelings of relaxation.
But to get the most anxiety relief from your weighted stuffed animal, it’s important to use it properly.
Find the Right Weight for You
Weighted plushies are available in a variety of different weights, usually ranging from 1 lb to 30 lbs. Generally, it’s recommended that you choose a weight that is roughly 5-10% of your body weight. This allows the gentle pressure to have a calming effect without being too heavy or restrictive.
For example, if you weigh 150 lbs, a 7-15 lb weighted stuffed animal would be ideal. You may need to experiment with different weights to find what works best for your needs.
Use It Consistently
Using your weighted plushie consistently is key for reducing anxiety symptoms. The more you use it, the more the calming effects will compound. Aim to use your weighted stuffed animal for at least 20-30 minutes per day.
Great times to use it include:
- At bedtime to improve sleep
- During panic attacks to quickly calm down
- While studying or working to ease stress
- During therapy or counseling sessions
- On car trips or plane rides to stay relaxed
Try Different Positions
There are lots of different ways to use your weighted stuffed animal for maximum anxiety relief:
- Hugging – Wrap both arms tightly around the plushie and give it a big hug. This allows the deep pressure to calm your entire torso.
- Lap Pad – Place the weighted stuffed animal in your lap while sitting. Let it rest there during times of stress.
- Neck Wrap – Gently wrap the plush around the back of your neck for a localized calming effect.
- Back Support – Sit with the weighted stuffed animal behind your lower back. This improves posture while reducing anxiety.
Try out all these positions to find what works best. You may also discover more ways to use it that help calm and center you.
Make It Part of Your Self-Care Routine
Using your weighted stuffed animal should become part of your daily self-care routine, just like meditation, journaling or exercise. Set aside dedicated time each day to sit quietly while hugging or resting with your weighted plushie.
This trains your body over time to enter into deeper states of relaxation.
Anxiety relief takes consistency and patience. But with regular use, a weighted stuffed animal can reduce anxiety symptoms by over 75%. By following these simple tips, your special plush companion can help you finally find lasting calm and peace.
Conclusion
Weighted stuffed animals offer a unique way to leverage the soothing powers of deep pressure for anxiety symptom relief. Applying gentle yet firm pressure across your body, these novel plush companions stimulate production of calming neurotransmitters while providing a comforting, proprioceptive weighted hug.
Designed after cute childhood stuffies, they can evoke pleasant memories and associations as their cozy pressure melts away stress. Choose an animal friend with an optimal weight for you and discover just how profoundly hugs from these cuddly companions can ease anxiety.
