There's nothing quite like snuggling up in a warm, cozy blanket when the weather is chilly and grey outside. Wrapped up in its plush softness, we can genuinely relax and treat ourselves to some well-deserved self-care. Self-care involves a daily gratitude ritual that is simple but profoundly effective.
By taking just a few minutes of each day to appreciate what we already have, we can shift our focus away from the worries and stresses of everyday life. Instead, we can slow down and tune in to our bodies, breath by breath, relishing the sensations of comfort and ease that are all around us. Each time we take a moment for self-care through our gratitude ritual, we allow new energy to flow and help ground us in the present.
As women, we are endlessly juggling countless tasks at once. We're responsible for caring for our families, homes, jobs, and more. When feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it's essential to take time for ourselves and focus on self-care, rest, and relaxation. A perfect way to start is by surrounding ourselves with a luxurious blanket! Find out how below.
How Do Blankets Help You Relax?
Anyone who has ever wrapped themselves in the warmth of a cozy blanket knows from experience that blankets have the power to drain your feelings of stress instantly. Something about their softness and warmth creates the perfect refuge from the stress of a long day. Whether watching TV on the couch or reading in bed, a blanket elevates mere lounging to the level of luxurious indulgence.
Beyond physical comfort, blankets create a sense of security and safety. When enclosed in a blanket, we feel insulated from harm and discomfort…and stress seems to vanish as if it was never there. So, the next time you're feeling submerged in stress, just reach for your warm, reliable blanket and see if it doesn't help you relax.
Benefits Of Snuggling Up For Mental Health
When you get home after a long day at work, the first thing you want to do is change into your favorite pajamas and vanish beneath a warm blanket. There's a good reason why something so simple has such a profound effect - according to research, snuggling underneath a cozy blanket can have profound benefits for your mental health.
Wrapping yourself in a warm blanket can counteract the effects of stress. When we're stressed, our bodies experience a “fight-or-flight” response, which means cortisol, the stress hormone, pours into our system. But when we wrap ourselves in a cozy blanket, it signals to our brain that we're safe and secure. The result is a rapid drop in cortisol and other stress hormones leading to a feeling of safety and comfort.
In addition to reducing stress, snuggling beneath a blanket can also help improve your mood. When you're wrapped in a soft, comforting fabric, oxytocin, the "cuddle hormone," is released. The result is a feeling of contentment, well-being, and happiness. It’s a perfect way to undo the damage of a really bad day.