Think back to when you were a child, can you picture your favourite teddy bear?
You probably took that thing everywhere and couldn’t get to sleep at night unless it was tucked up underneath the covers with you.
Where is it now?
Some people might still have their old toys in their room, or stored away in a box in the loft, while others may have been lost or sold over time.
If you do still have a stuffed animal – good for you! But if you don’t, then it seems you might want to consider going out and getting yourself a new one, as an expert has just revealed all the benefits that come with owning a teddy bear.
Michael Dankwah, the founder of London-based teddy bear company Grin and Bear, has explained how the cute toys can be really great for our wellbeing.
Speaking to MirrorOnline, he encouraged adults to “embrace” the bear as a form of self-care and ignore any of the childish stigma associated with them.
“Embrace it! Owning a teddy is a form of self-care,” he said. “I think it’s so important in today’s modern society to look after yourself in any way, as long as it isn’t damaging to anyone else.
“Teddies can be a great comfort tool. Modern life is hard and sometimes all you need is a cuddle.”
He continued: “With a teddy bear you’ve got the advantage of giving them a good squeeze. Lots of people have teddies as personal stress balls which work wonders for those days when life is getting on top of you.”
And as well as helping relieve stress, a teddy might also aid you in getting a good night’s sleep.
“If you’re sitting on a device aimlessly before bed, it doesn’t allow your mind to rest and get that important shut eye,” Dankwah explained. “By putting down the screens and incorporating a teddy into your sleep routine you’ll feel way more relaxed.
“Don’t be ashamed to snuggle up, as it’s going to help you emotionally and mentally in the long run.
“I don’t know the science behind it, but I’ve also seen a survey that teddy bear owners are less likely to snore – huge benefit!”
Dankwah went on to confess that a great deal of his customers are adults, who purchase bespoke teddy bears for themselves.
“Teddy bears might remind someone of a certain smell, or a texture that sparks a memory and gives great comfort,” he said.
“I have plenty of adult customers requesting specific things, from teddies made from a late granddad’s old shirts, to a teddy made from an old Fendi bag – personalisation is key in choosing your comfort tool.”
Dankwah, who has his very own collection of teddies at home and keeps one by his bedside for emergencies, made his first ever bear five years ago and describes his career journey as being rather “serendipitous”.
At the time he was studying fashion at university in London, where he met his best friend Wendy.
That first bear he made was a Christmas gift for her and it was such a hit, other friends soon started asking him for their own.
“The business grew from there,” he adds. “Fast forward five years and we’re now stocked in Liberty London and Trotters.
“It’s truly a special thing to do.”
To find out more about Dankwah and the bears he makes visit grinandbearlondon.com
