Do Weighted Stuffed Animals Help With Anxiety?

Ever wished you could snuggle up with a cozy companion that doubles as a means of stress relief? Weighted stuffed animals may be the answer you’re looking for! Given their huggably heavy design, these cuddly creatures are excellent at tackling stress and anxiety. In this blog, we discuss the benefits of weighted stuffed animals and how to use them when you need calm and comfort.

Let’s begin by understanding what exactly they are!

What Are Weighted Stuffed Animals?

Weighted stuffed animals are plush toys that are filled with small weights, typically distributed evenly throughout the toy’s body. These weights are usually made of plastic pellets or glass beads, but there are also more sustainable options like clay beads and rice grains.

Adding weights to stuffed animals provides a calming and comforting sensation, which is often used as a sensory tool for people with anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or other sensory processing challenges.

Do Weighted Stuffed Animals Help With Anxiety?

Yes! Weighted stuffed animals can help with anxiety because the gentle pressure provided by the heaviness of these toys offers a calming effect, similar to the sensation of being hugged or swaddled. This pressure has been reported to promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety or stress in some people.

Additionally, the tactile and sensory experience of interacting with a soft, plush toy can provide comfort when you’re feeling anxious. Many adults and children find cuddling or holding a weighted stuffed animal soothing and grounding, helping to alleviate anxious thoughts and promote a sense of security. While weighted stuffed animals may not be a universal solution for managing anxiety, they can be a helpful tool for some, especially when used in combination with other coping strategies or therapeutic interventions.

Other Benefits of Weighted Stuffed Animals

1. Sensory Regulation: Weighted stuffed animals can help regulate sensory experiences, providing calming input that can be soothing for the nervous system.
2. Focus and Attention: Some people find that the gentle pressure from weighted stuffed animals helps improve focus and attention, making them useful for adults and children with ADHD or attention challenges.
3. Emotional Support: For children or adults experiencing emotional distress, cuddling a weighted stuffed animal can provide a sense of companionship and emotional support, helping them feel less alone during difficult times.
4. Therapeutic Tool: Weighted stuffed animals are commonly used in therapy settings to facilitate emotional expression, communication, and relaxation during sessions with therapists or counselors.
5. Motor Skills Development: Manipulating and handling the weighted toy can aid in the development of fine motor skills, such as grasping, squeezing, and manipulating objects.
6. Body Awareness: The added weight in the toy can enhance body awareness and proprioception, which is beneficial for people with sensory processing difficulties or those seeking to improve their body awareness.
7. Stress Reduction: The act of hugging a weighted stuffed animal can trigger the release of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) such as oxytocin, promoting feelings of happiness and reducing stress levels.
8. Transitional Object: Weighted stuffed animals can serve as transitional objects, helping people transition from one activity or environment to another more smoothly by providing a consistent source of comfort and familiarity.

Are There Weighted Stuffed Animals For Adults?

Yes! Adults can definitely use weighted plushies. While these toys are often associated with children and therapeutic interventions for pediatric populations, they can also benefit adults. Many adults find comfort, relaxation, and stress relief from cuddling or holding a weighted stuffed animal, similar to how they might benefit from a weighted blanket.

Weighted stuffed animals can be a versatile and effective tool for adults seeking comfort, relaxation, and sensory support. Whether used at home, at work, or during therapeutic activities, these toys can provide comfort and support for individuals of all ages.

Our collection of Bearabuddies - Benji Bear, Remi Rabbit, and Elli Elephant - are filled with all-natural tension-melting Terraclay™ to give them their calming weight. These huggably heavy stuffed animals are designed to help you feel grounded and secure, setting you up for deep, restorative sleep.

Next, let’s discuss whether or not adults can use weighted stuffed animals.

How To Use a Weighted Plush for Anxiety

Using a weighted stuffed animal for anxiety can be a simple yet effective way to promote relaxation and calmness. Here are some steps to effectively use a weighted plush for anxiety relief:

1. Choose the Right Plush: Select a weighted plush toy that you find visually appealing and comfortable to touch. It’s essential that you enjoy interacting with the plush, as this can enhance its effectiveness in providing comfort and relaxation.
2. Create a Relaxing Environment: Find a quiet and comfortable space to relax without distractions. Dim the lights, play soothing music, or engage in other relaxation techniques that help you unwind.
3. Hold or Cuddle the Plush: Sit or lie comfortably and hold the weighted plush toy close to your body. You can cuddle it against your chest, rest it on your lap, or place it on any area of your body where you feel tension or discomfort.
4. Focus on Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths as you hold the plush toy. Focus on the sensation of the weight pressing against your body and your chest’s rhythmic rise and fall as you breathe deeply.
5. Engage Your Senses: Pay attention to the sensory experience of interacting with the plush toy. Notice the texture of the fabric, the warmth of your body against the plush, and the comforting pressure provided by the weights inside.
6. Practice Mindfulness: Use the plush toy as a focal point for mindfulness practice. Notice any thoughts, feelings, or sensations that arise without judgment, and gently redirect your focus back to the present moment and the sensations of holding the plush.
7. Stay Present: Allow yourself to fully immerse in the experience of holding the plush and feeling its comforting weight. Let go of any worries or distractions and simply be present with the sensations of relaxation and calmness.
8. Use as Needed: Incorporate the weighted plush toy into your daily routine as needed, especially during times of heightened anxiety or stress. Whether it’s during a work break, before bedtime, or whenever you need a moment of relaxation, the plush can serve as a valuable tool for anxiety relief.

Each person’s experience with anxiety and relaxation techniques is unique, so feel free to experiment with different ways of using the weighted plush toy to find what works best for you. Additionally, if you find that your anxiety persists or interferes with your daily functioning, seek support from a mental health professional for further guidance and assistance.

Conclusion

Weighted stuffed animals offer valuable support for managing anxiety, providing a comforting and calming presence through their gentle pressure and sensory stimulation. These plush toys, initially crafted for children, have transcended age boundaries and proven to be beneficial for adults as well. From promoting relaxation and better sleep to aiding in sensory regulation and emotional support, the benefits of weighted stuffed animals extend beyond anxiety relief, touching various aspects of our overall well-being and mental health.