Get stuffed

I have a stuffed dinosaur. I'm not ashamed to admit that, as a so called grown up, I have a stuffed toy who I hug when times get hard. That dinosaur has mopped up some tears, has been there when I had no one else and generally provided squishy hugs when needed. His name is Gary Best, here he is:

Now, Gary isn't my first (though I won't tell him that, I wouldn't want to hurt his feelings) there have been stuffed toys before him; an owl named Polly Darton, a kangaroo named Spencie, a ginger bear named H. They all served their time and have all been retired, given time to enjoy their latter years without all the snot and tears.

There is something comforting in having something to hug as you cry, when you feel low or even just when you are tired and grumpy. The psychology behind this is that it is a security object, something to give comfort and make us feel safe. In my darkest and hardest times, when I feel most lost, security is something that is beyond important. I guess I cling on to anything that will give me a glimmer of that. 

When I am sleeping alone in a bed made for two, Gary Best is on hand to keep me warm, he is someone to direct my "goodnight" to and make me feel less alone. I hate sleeping alone (a complete 180 to how I used to feel a few years ago) and I struggle to sleep properly when I am on my own. Admittedly, he isn't the best at providing body heat, but he is better than nothing.

Some people may think it's daft, holding a stuffed toy in such high regard. I should grow up, move on, etc etc. But I am not alone. According to this survey, 35% of British adults sleep with a stuffed toy and don't seem to mind who knows about it. Whatever the reason they need theirs, there is one thing in common - a sense of comfort. They may remind you of home, of childhood or of someone you love. All good reasons to hug away. Gary Best was a Christmas gift from my boyfriend so the connection to him is there in the hugs.

Many studies show that hugs help anxiety, they lower blood pressure and trigger the release of oxytocin. I am a big believer in the fact that hugs make me happy. Sometimes I just don't feel right until I have been hugged. Whilst I would alway choose the human hug (from my partner) at times when that is not possible, I will take the dino hug. 

So here's to all the stuffed animals, for their endless hugs that often go unthanked - go give your teddy a hug. I know you have one.