STUFFIES: Do you have a stuffed animal or two or 200 that you can’t bear to part with? You aren’t the only one, and there’s no reason to be embarrassed. Those stuffies, as they tend to be called today, can be helpful for adults.

At bunniesbythebay.com, seven reasons are given why adults should have stuffies, too. They bring a sense of security, help ease loneliness, improve mental health, help with grief, help heal from trauma, remind us of childhood and reduce stress.

As a comfort object, stuffies can help one feel a greater sense of security when moving from one life stage to another. “That sense of security is important when things are in flux, helping us navigate change more successfully.”

Humans are social creatures, the site notes, and benefit from being connected to each other. However, “The modern world can feel lonely and alienating for adults, even when we’re surrounded by people. In fact, there’s evidence that even as we become more and more linked together by the internet, we may be getting lonelier.” A stuffed animal can help ease that feeling of loneliness.

Studies suggest that stuffed animals can benefit a person in a lot of the same way live animals do, helping people form attachment bonds or rebuild impaired attachment bonds.

Stuffed animals can represent a connection to a loved one who has passed, helping the grieving process. The stuffies can help heal from trauma, too, aiding a survivor in caring for and loving themselves.

Nostalgia is a benefit, too, as pleasant memories from childhood make us happier and result in better self esteem.

And like live animals, petting stuffed animals can result in a reduction in stress. In fact, some are weighed or scented with aromatherapy to aid in stress reduction.

So cuddle that stuffed bear!