All of us have a small collection, or at least one item that brings us comfort. For me, emotional support cannot always be fulfilled with conversations or grand gestures; it often comes from these everyday objects I hold close to me.
My emotional support items include (but are not limited to) my blanket, my weighted stuffed dino (thanks, Target), my Owala, and my heating pad. Each of these items plays a role in grounding me, and together they have become my small arsenal of calm.
My Blanket
There is obviously nothing quite like a good blanket that reminds you of home. My blanket is an old-time Vera Bradley blanket that has the kind of softness only years of use can create. This blanket has been in my life for 15 years, and I always reach for it when I need to feel protected (and warm). I genuinely am unable to sleep or feel at peace without this blanket brushing up against me.
It carries the comfort of my routine; the feeling is unmatchable of settling into my bed after a long day, or the sense of being cocooned during all my late-night study sessions. My blanket is clearly more than just fabric to me; it is a part of me and my ability to find peace and comfort.
My Weighted Dino
The gentle pressure of the weighted stuffed animal signals some type of safety to my nervous system. It is obviously a cute pink dino that matches my bedding perfectly, but it also gives me an immediate sense of calm. Placing the dino on my chest just brings me a steadying feeling.
This target dino has gotten me through breakups when I didn’t have a shoulder to cry on, and through injuries I did not think I would make it past. It brings a physical presence that helps when I am overthinking and overwhelmed.
My Heating Pad
Heat is one of the most therapeutic things. My heating pad is always the first thing I reach for when stress seems to be getting to me and when the colder weather feels like it is sinking straight into my bones. It isn’t just about the physical aches, though; emotional warmth comes from it too. This tiny piece of comfort really transforms my space and makes it much easier for me to unwind and focus.
My Owala
I guess it is kind of silly to consider a water bottle an emotional support item, but mine really is. There is not a second of the day when I am not carrying it by my side. Every sip from it feels like a reset and a moment to pause and check on my body. It truly is a gesture of self-care that grounds me more than I realize.
Yes, these four items may seem simple and surface-level, but they together bring me peace and comfort. They are small pieces of my world that hold me together very reliably, and they are always going to be there when I need them the most.