Even though stuffed animals are often associated with children, a recent study found that 43% of adults acknowledged having soft toys from their younger years.
Let’s address the elephant in the room first and briefly answer the nagging question.
Can you bring stuffed animals to college?
The answer is YES. Anyone who believes that carrying plush animals to college constitutes infantile behavior is uninformed and intolerant. You do not need to pretend to be an adult or forget about your youth just because you are now attending college. Additionally, stuffed animals have a lot of practical applications.
Animal plush toys are excellent comfort buddies. This implies that you can count on them to be there for you no matter what. They’ll help you relax before, during, and after a scary movie and aid in your ability to fall asleep after a demanding day. They are beautiful to look at and make you smile when needed.
Additionally, stuffed animals may alleviate sadness and tension. Both are frequent occurrences in college life, particularly at the start when everything is so brand-new and uncharted.
What Does Psychology Say About This?
For psychologists, having plushies as an adult is perfectly acceptable. Teddy bears and cuddly blankets are transitional items for children from reliance to independence. When a youngster must sleep alone or apart from their mother at night, this is most often used. During sleep, they reach for this comforting item.
The phrase “transitional object,” which may be referred to as comfort items that might lessen our separation anxiety and make us feel less lonely, was created by clinical psychologist and pediatrician Donald Winnicott.
You’re not the only adult who develops a connection to soft toys. A whopping 40 percent of individuals still sleep with a stuffed animal in their youth, including a substantial proportion of millennials.
For instance, compared to the 77 percent of women who still keep stuffed animals in their beds, 84 percent of the males who made up the survey’s 43% of 2,000 respondents own at least one.
Reasons Why Having a Plushie is a Great Idea To Feel At Ease
Our minds and psyche are hardwired to perceive our stuffed animals as moving objects even into adulthood since they comforted us as children. They may be consoling, particularly during trying times.
They Help Resting
Sometimes, sleeping with a teddy bear is just about softness. Some adults still use them like pillows would in their sleep out of habit. On the other hand, some people cannot sleep without their stuffed animals.
Therefore, psychologists don’t see anything wrong if you sleep with a cute plushies in bed to help you get a good night’s rest. Anything that makes you nod off more quickly is a good thing (apart from drink and drugs)!
Good For Mental Health
Even experts agree that stuffed animals benefit one’s mental wellness. They come highly recommended by certified psychologist Dr. Aniko Dunn for those with PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues.
Reducing Loneliness
Teddy bears have been associated with reducing childhood loneliness, which may persist into adulthood. Humans are social animals; they would do everything to avoid feeling lonely. Even while our stuffed animals may never fully substitute for interpersonal interaction, they can undoubtedly lessen the anxiety of spending the night alone. Here are some of the
Security
It may be comforting when we associate a doll or stuffed animal with security, particularly when we do so as children.
We often experience life upheaval at this age, whether leaving home entirely, moving away for college, or starting a new profession. Consequently, it is only natural to cling to anything that provides comfort and reduces tension. That this would be a teddy bear makes sense.
Helps With Trauma
Few individuals are aware that stuffed animals have the power to alleviate severe prior suffering. When a trauma survivor “re-parents,” they may help the kid heal from terrible childhood memories, mainly if the youngster experienced neglect or abuse.
The youngster may learn to love and care for the teddy bear in the same way they should love and care for themselves. They may communicate their love feelings via the teddy bear, which can also help them feel better about themselves.
They’re Our Best Link To Our Childhood
We often get the impression that they are idly living their lives. Cuddling with a stuffed animal may evoke a sense of nostalgia, whether it is recollections of our parents and siblings or feelings of safety and cuddling, which can provide continuity and support to our current selves.
Additionally, nostalgia tends to make us happy.
Reduces Tension
Stress may be lessened by animals, whether they are stuffed or real. Petting animals may lower cortisol levels in human bodies. So go ahead and touch or hug your beloved teddy bear; your body will appreciate it!
According to studies, high cortisol levels have been linked to weight gain and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
In conclusion, Bringing stuffed animals to high school or college is perfectly ok not only by common morals but also by a psychologist; they also play a significant role in helping with healing and psychological thriving. Bring some Stuffed animals for the classroom as long as the school permits it. Thank you for reading.