We have seen children in movies holding on to their stuffed toy in times of distress or anxiety. That was in fictional screenplays but this phenomenon actually carries truth to it. Stuffed animals do really help children feel safe and reduce stress. There are many more advantages to keeping stuffed animals nearby in times when people are distressed or when they are anxious. This is called plush therapy and it carries numerous mental health benefits other than being just cute little toys.
Let’s dive deeper into what is plush therapy and how it benefits children.
What is Plush Therapy?
Plush therapy includes taking emotional support from stuffed toys. It is not limited to any age range, adults can benefit from this therapy too. It is helpful for those who are not able to verbally express their feelings or those who suffer from mental problems.
How Does Plush Therapy Help?
Other than being just decorative or merely toys, stuffed animals have emotional benefits as well. They are explored in detail in this section.
Reduces Anxiety
Stuffed animals reduce anxiety by relaxing the mind which initiates the feeling of safety. Holding or pressing the stuffed animal releases oxytocin and reduces the levels of cortisol which makes the child feel relaxed and supported. This reduces muscle tension and calms the body along with the mind.
Improve Sleep Quality
Putting a little pressure on the chest gives a calming effect which calms the heartbeat and helps fall asleep peacefully. This gentle pressure is the stimulation of a realistic warm hug. Other than helping fall asleep, it also makes children feel safe.
Feeling Of Security
Children might fear difficult times or a change that occurs in their life which keeps them anxious. To make them calm, plush toys give a sense of safety and security. The toys make them feel as if they are accompanied by a friend they can trust. This reduces feelings of loneliness and anxiety when children face unfamiliar surroundings or circumstances.
Company for Emotional Support
Holding plush toys helps release oxytocin which is the hormone of love and cuddling. It is a chemical that is associated with social bonding and emotional connection. Pressing a stuffed animal releases this hormone giving the feeling of warmth and positive emotional connection.
Reduces Stress
Who knew children can face high stress levels too. In this regard, a stuffed toy gives calming effects to the mind and soul, reducing stress. This plush therapy helps destress after children go through something unusual or something that stresses them out.
Encourage Expressing Feelings
Children sometimes struggle with verbally expressing their feelings. They can only express themselves with people they trust. Sometimes, those people are their stuffed toys. They feel comfortable sharing their secrets or emotions more with their stuffed animals.
Trustworthy Company During Lonely Times
In childhood, there are certain instances when the child feels lonely like joining a new school or leaving a home where they were born and played. It is in these moments and life transitions when plush therapy helps immensely. Plush toys provide company and a feeling of friendship when the child feels lonely.
Helps In Grounding
In intense moments when emotions are at peak, plush therapy acts as a grounding technique. The stuffed animal helps in reducing the intensity of emotions.
Improved Mental Health
Stuffed animals help with mental health. Patients with mental disorders have found help through them. Psychotherapists treat their patients using plush therapy.
Conclusion
Children need emotional support and company to help them through their difficult times and make them feel safe. Sometimes they do it alone through stuffed animals. The use of them is directly related to the innate need for comfort. In this regard, plush therapy is of immense help. This type of therapy releases hormones that make children feel comforted and give them company in their alone and stressing times. Plush toys have a calming effect on their mind which makes them feel better.
FAQs
What are the benefits of plush therapy?
Plush therapy has proven to be a type of help and support for mental health. The benefits it offers are stress reduction, anxiety control, providing company and emotional support. It makes the children feel secure and as if they are accompanied by a friend.
Can stuffed animal therapy replace professional therapy?
No, the child or the adult who requires professional therapy should take what’s required, professional help. Plush therapy can support mental therapy through professional help but it cannot replace it.
What is the psychology behind stuffed animals?
Stuffed animals provide emotional support. When children have their stuffed animals with them, they feel safe and less lonely.
What is plush therapy?
It involves the use of stuffed toys as a source of emotional support. It is helpful to children and adults equally.
Can I use plush therapy to make my kid fall asleep?
Yes, plush therapy is helpful in falling asleep. It works by releasing oxytocin, a type of hormone known for its comforting effects and reducing cortisol levels. This mechanism helps the mind calm down and relax, which ultimately helps children fall asleep.
