Find peace with a weighted hug
In a world that often feels overwhelming, it can be difficult for children to find moments of peace and relaxation. But what if I told you that there is a very nice tool, namely the weighted hug, that can offer your child that peace? Yes, you read that right. Weighted hug, also called heaviness hug, have become increasingly popular due to their ability to provide deep pressure stimulation, mimicking the feeling of being hugged or held. But these hugs offer more than just a comforting embrace. They have hidden benefits that go beyond relaxation. Weighted hugs also heal in reducing anxiety and stress as well as in improving sleep quality! In this article I would like to tell you more about the benefits of a heaviness animal.
Understanding the concept of sensory stimulation
To understand the benefits of weighted hugs, it is important to understand the concept of sensory stimulation. Sensory stimulation refers to activating the senses to stimulate the brain. This can be achieved through various methods, including touch, pressure, and weight. The purpose of sensory stimulation is to calm the nervous system and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Weighted hugs, as well as weighted blankets and weighted pillows are specially designed to provide this deep pressure stimulation, which is one of the most effective forms of sensory stimulation. Due to the weight of the cuddly toy or blanket, you feel a constant, firm pressure on your body, resulting in a feeling of security and comfort.
Sensory stimulation has many benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving concentration, and promoting deeper sleep. It also helps to regulate the nervous system and can have a positive effect on people with sensory information processing problems, such as autism or ADHD. By integrating sensory stimulation into our daily lives, we can offer ourselves but also our children a sense of peace and tranquility.
The benefits of sensory stimulation (by means of weighted hug)
Reduce stress and anxiety
The benefits of sensory stimulation are extensive and can positively impact various aspects of our lives. First of all, sensory stimulation can help to reduce stress and anxiety. By activating the part of the nervous system (which is responsible for calming and relaxing the body), sensory stimulation can provide a sense of calm and calm. This can be especially nice for children and adults who regularly suffer from stress or anxiety.
Improve sleep quality
Sensory stimulation by using a weighted blanket or weighted hug can also improve sleep quality. By calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation, sensory stimulation can help to achieve deeper and more restful sleep. This is recommended for children and adults who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep during the night. You can also use the zip sheets in combination with a weighted hug. The weighted blanket is therefore an effective way to improve sleep quality and promote a good night’s sleep.
Improve Concentration
A weighted pillow or weighted cuddly toy can also be used to improve concentration and focus. By calming the nervous system and stimulating the brain, sensory stimulation can help reduce distractions and increase alertness. This can be especially interesting for students and adults who put in a lot of mental effort during the day.
The science behind the use of weighted tools
The science behind the use of weighting aids is fascinating and provides insight into the effects that the tools have on our body and mind. The weight of the weighted blanket or the weighted hug stimulates the production of oxytocin, also known as the “cuddle hormone”. Oxytocin is known for its calming and relaxing effects on the body and plays an important role in promoting feelings of belonging and security.
In addition, the weight of the weighted blanket increases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Serotonin is often associated with a feeling of happiness, and increasing its levels can have a positive impact on our overall feeling.
In addition, the weight of a weighted hug also stimulates the production of melatonin, a hormone that plays a role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is essential for promoting healthy sleep and maintaining good sleep quality. By increasing the production of melatonin, weighted blankets can help to achieve a deeper and more restful sleep.
Weighted stuffed animals for children with sensory information processing problems
Weighted hugs or weighted blankets are not only suitable for adults, but can also be a valuable tool for children with stimulus processing problems such as autism or ADHD. These children often have difficulty processing sensory input, which can lead to overstimulation and stress. The weighted hug is then a nice companion that helps to calm the nervous system through deep pressure stimulation and can promote a feeling of calm.
For children with stimulus processing problems, using a weighted hug can help reduce overstimulation, reduce anxiety, and improve concentration. It can also help end the day and promote a calm, relaxed sleep, allowing children to recover better throughout the night. This recovery at night is important to be able to concentrate better during the day.
How do I choose a suitable weighted cuddly toy or blanket?
When choosing a weighted hug or weight blanket for a child, it is important to consider their individual needs and preferences. The weight of the blanket should be comfortable and should not be too heavy for the child. The child must be able to independently remove the cuddly toy or the blanket (for safety reasons). In addition, the weighted cuddly toy must be made of high-quality materials and be easy to maintain. There are models that are not washable, such as the Manimo weighted products, the weighted cuddly Bent as well as the Dragon of Educadora are washable. The weight of the blanket is an important factor, as it determines the intensity of pressure. In general, it is recommended to choose a weight blanket or weighted hug that weighs about 10% of your body weight. This creates enough pressure to achieve the desired effects, without being overwhelming or uncomfortable.
In addition, the size of the weighted blanket is also important. Make sure the blanket is large enough to cover your entire body so you can take full advantage of the deep pressure stimulation. If you want to use a cuddly toy, look at how you prefer to apply it, on your lap or the shoulders or upper body, this determines which model is best suited. For example, the Spektra Dragon is fine for use on the shoulders and, for example, the weighted lizard is fine on your lap.
The material is also an important consideration. Choose a weighted hug or blanket made from high-quality materials that feel soft and comfortable on the skin. It is also important with a weighted blanket that it is breathable and regulates body temperature to prevent overheating. Finally, it is good to take into account where / when you want to use the product. If it is only before bedtime, then a weighted blanket is recommended. For use during the day, a weighted cuddly toy or a weighted pillow is recommended.
Tips for effective use of weighted stuffed animals
To take full advantage of your weighted hug, there are a few tips you can follow for effective use:
1. Use the weighted hug regularly: To achieve the desired effects, it is important to use the weighted hug regularly. With a weighted blanket, try to use it every night for a good night’s sleep.
2. Adjust the weight to your needs: The weight of the weighted hug or weighted blanket should be comfortable and should not be too heavy for your body. Experiment with different weights to determine what suits you best.
3. Combine with other relaxation techniques: To enhance the relaxing effects of the heaviness blanket, you can combine it with other relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation or aromatherapy.
4. Maintenance and cleaning: Be sure to maintain and clean the weighted cuddly toy or blanket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures that the blanket remains clean and fresh and retains its maximum effectiveness.
Although weighting aids are mainly known for their relaxing and stress-relieving effects, they can also be used in other situations. Some people use a weighted pillow to reduce anxiety and stress while traveling or when experiencing overwhelming situations. Others use them as an aid in therapy or as support in reducing restless legs while sleeping.
