2 weeks of half-term joy!
As usual, it was pretty impossible to work this half-term. With our kids’ school recently becoming an academy, we had
Living with anxiety can be extremely challenging, but finding effective coping mechanisms can make a significant difference to one’s daily life. One such innovative solution gaining popularity is the use of chew necklaces. Made from food-grade silicone, these simple yet ingenious accessories are not only stylish but also serve as a valuable tool in managing anxiety. In this blog post, we’ll explore why chewable necklaces are good for anxiety and how they can provide comfort and relief to those who need it.
One of the primary reasons chewy necklaces are beneficial for anxiety is that they provide a natural outlet for nervous energy. Many individuals with anxiety find themselves chewing on pens, pencils, or their nails unconsciously. In young people, chewing of clothing is particularly common. Think of all those chewed up school jumper sleeves and collars!
Some individuals may chew much more inappropriate materials, such as plastic, wood and even metal and risk damage to their teeth and gums. In addition, chewing such items can potentially compromise their health in ingesting such materials.
Chewy necklaces offer a safer and more hygienic alternative, allowing people to channel their anxiety into a purpose-made chewable item without harming their teeth or nails or risking their health.
Chewable necklaces offer oral sensory stimulation, which can be calming for individuals with anxiety. The act of chewing provides intense oral sensory input, which has been shown to have a soothing effect on the nervous system. This stimulation can help reduce feelings of restlessness and agitation, promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being.
For individuals who are hyposensitive (under-sensitive) to touch, much more intense pressure may be needed to experience the same level of sensation as neurotypical individuals. The jaw can provide really intense deep pressure input into our proprioceptive system (our sense of our bodies in space). For hyposensitive people, stimulating this system is incredibly important and doing so helps to calm, organise and self-regulate our brain and nervous system.
Chewing provides this deep pressure input, stimulating the proprioceptive system and helping us to stay calm and regulated.
This deep pressure stimulation with the jaw is best achieved by chewing with the back teeth, which is why certain chews are more helpful for this type of stimulation.
We recommend longer chews, such as the Brick chew necklace, Brick Pencil Topper Chews, Hoodie Chews and Squiggle chews, all pictured below!
For many people with anxiety, maintaining focus and concentration can be challenging. A chewy necklaces can act as a helpful tool to improve concentration, especially in situations where anxiety might be triggered, such as in places with a high level of sensory stimulation, like school or busy public areas.
By providing a physical outlet for anxiety, chews enable individuals to concentrate better on the task at hand, enhancing their overall performance and confidence.
Many research studies have evidenced how chewing improves concentration. This is one reason why chewing is so prevalent in school settings, where young people are working hard and needing to focus. In the workplace, if you look around, you will frequently see colleagues sucking/chewing pens, necklaces, work lanyards and even hair!
Mindfulness techniques, such as grounding exercises, are often recommended for managing anxiety. Chewy necklaces can be incorporated into these exercises, serving as a focal point for mindfulness. By concentrating on the act of chewing, individuals can anchor themselves in the present moment, reducing anxious thoughts and promoting a sense of calm.
This is especially helpful in busy places where people may be feeling overwhelmed by sensory input.
Living with anxiety can take a toll on self-esteem and confidence. Here at Oojamabobs, our chews come in a wide range of designs, colours, sizes and textures, allowing individuals to find exactly the right chew for them. Wearing a chewy that resonates with your style can boost self-esteem and make individuals feel more comfortable and confident.
Oojamabobs is unique in that you can customise your chew by adding your favourite lanyard design. At Oojamabobs we believe this is an essential step in making your chew your own and feeling comfortable wearing and using it.
We’ve had customers who have tried in vain to introduce a chew necklace to their child.
That is, until they discovered Oojamabobs and were able to create a necklace which appealed to their child! We know how important it is that a necklace looks and feels right and will work with you to find a suitable chew. I love to problem solve and have come up with creative solutions for many customers trying to meet a specific chewing need.
Chew necklaces are so much more than just accessories; for many they are an essential tool that offers comfort, relief, and support to those dealing with anxiety. By providing an appropriate outlet for dealing with anxiety, sensory stimulation, improved focus, encouragement of mindfulness, and a boost in self-esteem, these simple yet effective chews are changing the lives of many. If you or someone you know struggles with anxiety, consider trying a chewable necklace as a practical and stylish way to manage anxious feelings and promote overall well-being.
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If you’re new to chewy jewellery and not sure where to start, check out Sensory Oojamabobs Bundle Packs. These contain a range of chews in different firmnesses and textures at a reduced bundle price. This is ideal for trying to figure out which chew is best for you or your loved one.
To learn more about Bundle Packs, take a look at my TikTok video, showing What Comes In An Oojamabob Bundle Box?
As usual, it was pretty impossible to work this half-term. With our kids’ school recently becoming an academy, we had
Chronic illness. It has made summer quite the challenge. I have been totally absent from Facebook and Instagram when it
I’ve been doing a lot of events recently. These tend to be family fun days, or autism or SEND events
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