When we think of comfort objects, we often think about security blankets and stuffed animals for children. With the advent of fidget spinners and stress balls, it’s pretty clear that a comfort object is helpful for people of all ages. Whether your comfort object is your childhood quilt your Grandma sewed or a cozy mug you love to drink tea out of on a chilly afternoon, here’s our list of 10 benefits of having a comfort object at any age.
- Comfort Objects Represent Affection — Giving someone a comfort object can remind them of you when you’re not there to give them a hug in person. It can be for a child who is nervous about starting their first day at school. It can be for a partner who has to go back to the office after working from home, and you want to give them a little something that reminds them of you. A comfort object can be sent to a friend who has just moved across the country.
- Comfort Objects Ease Anxiety — According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the United States, approximately 18.1 percent of the population, every year. When we think of someone who needs a comfort object for anxiety, we normally picture a young child holding on tight to their favorite teddy bear. Adults deal with anxiety, too. There are plenty of ways to take care of one’s mental health. One of them can be with a comfort object.
- Comfort Objects Help with Emotional Regulation — In addition to anxiety, comfort objects can help overall emotional regulation. You might be feeling upset, scared or even angry. Squeeze a stress ball. Slip into your favorite cozy sweater. Cuddle a stuffed animal before you go to bed. These comfort objects may seem like small and silly things, but over time, they can really help regulate your emotions and help you calm down when you’re feeling anxious or stressed out.
- Comfort Objects Offer a Sense of Security — Children go through phases of having different fears or phobias as they grow up. They may be scared of loud noises like thunderstorms. They may be afraid of the dark. They might think that there’s a monster under their bed. Giving them a comfort object can give them the strength and confidence they need for a sense of security during uncertain times. After all, there’s a reason they’re called security blankets.
- Comfort Objects Act as a Sleep Aid — People can have trouble getting a full night’s sleep at any age. Having a comfort object to help lull you back to sleep can help. If you need to be away for the night and normally tuck your child into bed, giving them a comfort object can help them go to sleep when you’re not there to read them their usual bedtime story.
- Comfort Objects Are Cuddly Companions — A comfort object could be a t-shirt that smells like you for your child. A comfort object could be the dinosaur stuffed animal your partner gave you when you started your first day at your new job. These cuddly companions may be objects, but they represent something so much more.
- Comfort Objects Give Reassurance When Separated — When you’re separated from your loved one, a comfort object can remind you of them. They may not be there to give you a big bear hug in person, but you can hug that big teddy bear and be reminded of them. A comfort object can help ease the stress of not being able to be near your loved ones when you want to be.
- Comfort Objects Provide Relief When Upset — There are going to be times when you just want to cry, even as an adult. If you’re in a public place, you may not be able to hug a stuffed animal in public without having people glance at you. You can take a moment in private for yourself to collect your emotions and hug your comfort object. It doesn’t have to be as large as a stuffed animal. It can be a small drawing your child gave you. It can be a keychain that reminds you of someone you love.
- Comfort Objects Can Help During Transitionary Periods — We all go through big life changes. It might be a move to a different city or state. It might be that someone we were close to recently passed away. It could be your child’s first day at a new school. Having a comfort object can help give us comfort and confidence during these transitional times.
- Comfort Objects Are Calming — Cute stuffed animals are just that — they’re cute. They’re lovely to look at. They’re calming for people of all ages. There’s something so calming about looking at an object that reminds us of someone we love, especially if it’s a gift from them.