Weighted blankets are currently a pretty trendy home accessory that also happens to be good for your mental health, though they are not a new item. Weighted blankets are often used by occupational therapists for all sorts of problems from relieving anxiety, to relaxing people on the Autism spectrum, and more.
A weighted blanket is just as it sounds; a blanket that has small weights in them that make them heavy, usually about 20 pounds or so, or they can be made from a material that’s so heavy that it ends up being the same amount of weight.
The way that it works is through deep touch pressure therapy, where if you put just the right amount of pressure on the body, the brain will release serotonin. This chemical makes you feel more happy and relaxed, which can help in a myriad of ways.
A weighted blanket is able to do that because it presses down just enough onto your body when you’re under it to release more serotonin, but it’s not so heavy that you can’t bear the weight.
So, if you’re someone who struggles with stress, anxiety, or other things that are making you distressed, perhaps a weighted blanket can be a tool you use to overcome your struggles.
