Meet ‘Orange’, the 38 year old Teddy🐻
Why?! I hear you ask..
Well, today is #nationalhugabearday, and it’s a sentiment that has arguably never been more important!
Hugs, as we know, have become a scarce commodity in the last few years, with far-reaching consequences for both physical and emotional health.
With hugs known to help to buffer pain and stress, as well as boost the immune system, the effects of this shortfall can’t be underestimated.
Experts have labelled the phenomenon ‘touch deficiency’, but in terms of solutions, and in the absence of the real thing…what’s the solution?
It’s a question that has raised interest in the role that cuddly toys (particularly childhood teddies) can play as part of an everyday self-care strategy.
These ‘comfort objects’, while not a panacea per se, might just help fill some of the ‘hug void’, and bring some much needed comfort and nostalgia to our lives, so long as air kisses and fist pumps remain the main social currency!
The theory is backed up by a study from @travelodge_pr, which showed that over a third of British adults already sleep with a teddy bear!
There has always been some degree of embarrassment around this admission, but for anyone with a ragged childhood toy secretly squirrelled beneath the sheets, here’s the perfect excuse you never needed… to give them the pride of place they deserve!
📸 @simonkempweddings / circa 2010
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