The burrito effect and wellbeing

This new year I’m keen to find quick and easy ways to help boost my wellbeing and if possible, with things I may have around the house.

Many of us have heard about the benefits of a weighted blanket, but with availability and suitability in mind, I’m not sure that this is right for me. Can I get the same benefits another way? Weighted blankets can be used to reduce anxiety, stress and based on reviews by my husband and friends they work, and they all seem to adore them. I however am not keen on the weight part, and I know my mum, who has fibromyalgia, would not cope with the weight either.

I would love to be able to feel some of those same benefits with something I do have though. So, what’s better than grabbing my favourite blanket and mimicking those wellbeing gains.

Wrapping yourself up tightly, like a burrito, in a normal blanket has many positive effects such as restricting movement, regulating temperature and just generally making us feel calmer. But why is this?

Wrapping yourself up in this way imitates how we swaddle a baby. And there is a reason why it works. It makes them feel like they are in the womb with limited movement and most importantly it makes them feel safe and secure.

This is true for adults too, that feeling of being embraced or having a cuddle can make us feel safe with an immediate stress relief benefit.

Another thing that swaddling yourself in a blanket can do is to reflect deep touch pressure. This will stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and in turn provide a sense of calm through increased serotonin levels, one of the ‘happy hormones.’

“The gentle pressure activates touch receptors, producing a calming effect by boosting serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin.” 

As we start our new year with some of us struggling in the colder months, let’s look for easy ways to keep our mood and wellbeing boosted. I’m sure we have mentioned before that different people have different ways of relaxing but next time you need a quick wellbeing fix, or a way to induce a sense of calm… wrap yourself up in your favourite blanket and maybe even add in a cuppa to stay warm and boost happiness.

How to wrap yourself up like a burrito:

“To wrap yourself up like a burrito, put a blanket behind your back with one end in each hand. Cross your arms over one another in a vampire-like motion. Then hop on the bed and use your hands to wrap your legs snugly in the blanket before putting your arms back in position.”

Let us know how you get on!