Whether your teddy is for a child, young person or adult, for years teddies have proven to be a source of comfort for millions of people all over the World. In my day job I am a trained Counsellor and have worked with children, young people and adults for over 15 years. 

I often encourage people to use their senses as an effective strategy to help regulate their emotions, which can then reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Why not try our bespoke “Brown Bear” which can be customised with a scent and a sound recording in the comfort of your own home and see if these simple practices help you.

HOW

SMELL - Smelling a familiar scent, be it the scent of a loved one, your favourite fragrance or one of the many relaxing scents known to help reduce stress and anxiety. Scent molecules travel to the brain's olfactory nerves and impact the amygdala, the emotional centre of the brain. This can activate the hypothalamus, which signals the brain to release feel-good chemicals like serotonin.

Why not try…
Lavender: Can improve mood, lower heart rate, and regulate breathing.

Geranium: Can reduce stress and anxiety, especially during labor.

Patchouli: Can promote calmness and relaxation.

Rosemary: Can reduce cortisol levels, which can help relieve anxiety and stress.

Ylang-ylang: Has an exotic fragrance that can calm, uplift, and create a sense of peace.

Sandalwood: Has a deep, woody scent that is cooling and relaxing.

Rose: Can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Jasmine: Has a floral scent that is considered uplifting and calming.

SOUNDS - Hearing the familiar sound of a loved ones voice, a song or relaxing sounds can all help to trigger happier thoughts and feelings reducing overall stress and anxiety, improving mood.

Hearing a loved one’s voice can reduce cortisol levels in the brain, a marker of stress. It can also increase oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and feelings of wellbeing.

Hearing the voice of a primary caregiver, a child or someone significant in our lives can activate the same parts of the brain as giving or receiving a hug.

TOUCH - Hugging and feeling a super soft teddy can promote a feeling of safety and security.

The mixture of fabrics provides another sensory experience, feeling the luxuriously soft fur, the textured ribbon, ear label, footpads and the feel of the hearts vibration.

The beans inside the bears are also proven to help reduce anxiety, providing additional texture and weight.

SIGHT - Really focusing on your teddy, what does it look like, what characteristics does it have or distinguishing features, what colour is it etc.

Using our senses can also be a useful way of bringing the minds attention to the “here and now” (sometimes referred to as mindfulness) rather than letting it wonder to the day to day distractions and challenges we can all struggle with. 

These are truly unique “Bears for Life”.