We often tend to associate soft toys with childhood and innocence. But they are more than just toys .
Soft toys can also be real therapeutic tools , for children and adults alike.
In recent years, moreover, anti-stress and anti-anxiety stuffed animals have experienced booming success. We dedicate this article to them!
What are the therapeutic effects of soft toys?
Stress, anxiety, depression, sleep : how soft toys can help you? Here are some of the proven mental health benefits of stuffed animals in adults.
Anti-stress stuffed animals
In a world where stress seems to be becoming part of our daily lives, finding ways to manage it effectively is crucial. Soft toys can be a great help for children , teens and adults alike .
First, the sensation of holding a soft and cozy stuffed animal against us naturally has a calming effect, providing a sense of security and comfort . This feeling is surely linked to our childhood, when we snuggled up against our precious comforters to fall asleep.
Physical contact, even with an inanimate object like a stuffed animal, can trigger the release of oxytocin , often referred to as the "cuddle hormone". Oxytocin plays a key role in creating social bonds and reducing stress .
Although it does not replace human contact, a soft toy can offer a form of comfort to combat episodes of stress or anxiety.
Soft toys are also known to serve as a cognitive distraction , helping to distract the mind from stressful or anxious thoughts. So your stuffed animal can be a big help when you feel overwhelmed or unable to curb your stressful thoughts.
And in addition to these stress-relieving effects, stuffed animals are known and proven to improve mood , promote better sleep , and increase overall feelings of well-being .
Also Read :5 Reasons to Have a Stuffed Animal in Times of Crisis.
Anti-anxiety stuffed animals
Often confused with stress, anxiety is a different mental state . It is a persistent state that can exist even in the absence of a specific trigger.
For people with anxiety disorders, physical interaction with a stuffed animal can help control symptoms. Stuffed animals create a presence and company that help reduce isolation and anxiety, especially in the case of social anxiety.
As with stress, fluff can also serve as a cognitive distraction for those suffering from anxiety . By offering something tangible to focus on, they help distract the mind from anxious thoughts .
Finally, the stuffed animal is recognized as a powerful transitional object by many therapists. Although the transitional object is most often associated with childhood, it is not uncommon for adults to also need it. In the context of adult mental health, these objects can even play a key role in the management of mental disorders such as anxiety and even depression.
Emotional support and the fight against depression
For people struggling with depression or trauma, having a stuffed animal or comforter can provide important emotional support.
Although not a substitute for professional therapy or social support, the emotional connection some people may develop with a stuffed animal can help alleviate feelings of sadness or loneliness .
In play therapy , for example, therapeutic soft toys help patients express their feelings and emotions in a non-verbal way.
Elderly and Alzheimer's
Therapeutic soft toys have recently made their debut in nursing homes and retirement homes, with great success among people with Alzheimer's disease.
They help stimulate memories, promote social interaction and bring comfort and comfort to seniors who often feel lonely and isolated.
Also Read : The Benefits Of Soft Toys For The Elderly And Alzheimer's.
People with Autism Spectrum Disorders
People with autism spectrum disorders can also benefit from interacting with soft toys.
As discussed above, stuffed animals can help develop social and emotional skills .
Some weighted stuffed animals, also called weighted stuffed animals, provide specific sensory stimulation because they offer proprioceptive information that helps people with autism more accurately perceive their body's position in space. This provides a sense of security, tranquility and relaxation, promoting calm and concentration.
How to choose an anti-stress plush?
The choice of an anti-stress plush is not to be taken lightly. For this therapeutic plush to bring the expected benefits, several important criteria must be taken into account.
Indeed, whether for a child or an adult, each individual is unique . What works for one person may not work for another. Personal needs and preferences must therefore be taken into account.
Whether it is shape, size, material, weight, durability, maintenance, safety or cost , each criterion plays an essential role in the effectiveness of an anti-stress plush.
1. The shape of the plush
Obviously, choosing a plush that visually appeals to its user is essential.
A particular animal may evoke happy memories or a strong emotional connection . For example, someone who grew up with a dog might find particular solace in a canine soft toy . Cat soft toys are also widely used in therapy.
Others might prefer a stuffed animal they feel an affinity with , or one that symbolizes qualities they admire. For example, a lion plush evokes strength and courage, while a therapeutic teddy bear symbolizes comfort and protection.
Certain animals are considered to have calming and anti-stress effects . For example, rabbits are associated with tranquility and gentleness, and dolphins with joy and freedom.
2. Size
For an anti-stress toy to be effective, it must be of the appropriate size, neither too small nor too large!
If the stuffed animal is too small, it will be harder to hold or cuddle, reducing its therapeutic effectiveness.
But stuffed animals that are too big can also be bulky and difficult to handle and transport .
To give you an idea, the ideal size of an anti-stress plush for an adult is that of a standard pillow , more or less.
3. Material
Touch is one of the most important senses involved in the therapeutic interaction with a plush . The feeling of softness can have a significant impact on our state of mind and our stress levels.
Stuffed animals made of soft materials , such as cotton, velor, or faux fur, are the most effective. These fabrics are pleasant to the touch, comforting and soothing, which helps reduce stress and anxiety.
It is also preferable to choose a hypoallergenic plush , especially if the user has allergies. An anti-stress plush is intended to be cuddled: it will be in close contact with the skin. So make sure that it will not cause irritation or allergy.
4. Weight
Some therapeutic or anti-stress stuffed animals are weighted to provide a feeling of pressure which plays a calming role, especially people with autism spectrum disorders.
If you opt for a weighted plush, make sure that its weight is adapted to the user. In general, a weighted plush should weigh no more than 10% of the user's body weight .
Read Also : 5 Good Reasons To Give A Plush Toy To Your Girlfriend!
5. Quality and durability
An anti-stress soft toy is a constant companion . Due to this constant relationship and frequent use, it is essential that it is of high quality and durable .
A therapeutic stuffed animal is not an object that is changed frequently. On the contrary, the effectiveness of the plush is partly based on the familiarity and the feeling of security that it brings, elements that are reinforced over time. It must therefore be able to withstand the test of time , and both physically and emotionally!
Investing in a high-quality plush is an investment in the well-being of the user . This is why at La Pelucherie, we guarantee all our stuffed animals for life!
To Read Also : How To Repair A Torn Comforter Or Stuffed Animal?
6. Ease of cleaning
Soft toys are well known to be dust nests! So, to make sure that your anti-stress plush stays clean and hygienic, prefer a machine washable plush , like those from La Pelucherie.
7. Security
Finally, if the anti-stress soft toy is intended for a baby or a young child, make sure that it does not present any danger! Avoid small parts that could be swallowed (eyes, nose, etc.) and always check that it meets European safety standards.
Also Read : Baby Soft Toys, Tips and Tricks for Making the Right Choice.
The Stress Relief Plush isn't a panacea, but it's certainly an invaluable tool in the stress, anxiety, and mental health management arsenal. A well-chosen plush can make a big difference.
And you ? Do you have a stress relief stuffed animal at home? Which did you choose?