Personalised clothing company, Banana Moon, has launched the world’s first anxiety relief hoodie, specially designed to help people manage and cope with common anxious symptoms. With UK searches for “work anxiety” up 21% year on year and 54% of the UK population admitting they often experience anxiety about life, Banana Moon was keen to help people deal with the growing anxiety epidemic.
Combining the benefits of sensory tools used in occupational therapy with relaxation techniques recommended by psychologists, Banana Moon designed a functional and therapeutic hoodie packed with anxiety-calming features. To see whether this anxiety relief hoodie worked, Banana Moon took 35 office workers and asked them to wear it for five minutes.
The team then measured the heart rate and blood pressure of volunteers at rest, five minutes after wearing the hoodie. They found that on average, people’s systolic blood pressure reduced by 7% (122 to 113) and heart rates lowered by 12% after using the anti-anxiety features of the hoodie.
Diastolic blood pressure remained the same. According to Harvard Health, most studies show a greater risk of stroke and heart disease related to higher systolic pressures compared with elevated diastolic pressures. The average blood pressure of the group before the test was in the pre-high range, and after the test moved the group average into the healthy blood pressure zone.
The features include:
· Weighted pockets – The pressure of weighted garments and blankets can help your autonomic nervous system switch from “flight or fight mode,” to “rest” mode, thereby reducing common symptoms of anxiety, like increased heart rate and rapid breathing.
· Fidget popper – Fidget toys can have a calming effect on people suffering with anxiety or sensory issues. Keeping their hands busy can help redirect anxious behaviours and stay focused.
· Tactile bubble textured sleeves – Research into the sensory benefits of textiles for emotional wellbeing discovered touching different textures can be a tool for relieving anxiety.
· Block print breathing loop patch – Using breathing loops to practice slow and deep breathing has been proven to help decrease your heart rate and overall blood pressure. The block print loop patch provides an additional sensory tool for anchoring your concentration.
· Chewable toggles – Research into chewing gum revealed the action of chewing relieved perceptions of stress in stressed and non-stressed individuals.
· Palm cooling mats – Sweaty palms is a classic symptom of anxiety. Placing your hands on these printed mats offers a pleasant cooling sensation.
· Motivational quote – Motivational quotes can help put fears into perspective, take control of overthinking, and promote balanced thinking, alleviating anxious thoughts or worries. According to Jonathan Fader PhD, some quotes can have a powerful effect on individuals and help them to change their viewpoint.
· Calming colours – The colours of the hoodie have been specifically chosen in natural and organic tones to aid visual meditation and promote feelings of positive wellbeing.
· Eco-Friendly design – Made with organic cotton, ethically sourced materials, and biodegradable dyes, the eco-friendly design promotes a positive thought-process and feel-good vibes.
The Anti-Anxiety Hoodie is available to order here, with prices starting at £35, depending on the level of personalisation required.
Managing Director of Banana Moon, Alex Grace, said: "We know that a hoodie alone is not going to cure or solve the cause of our anxiety problems, but it can help us to become more mindful during periods of anxiety, enabling us to manage or alleviate common anxious symptoms.
“A staggering 52% of people in the UK are not comfortable taking time off for mental health (YouGov). We hope our hoodies help to raise awareness of the prevalence of anxiety in the workplace and what employers can do to help those suffering by creating a physical reminder that it’s ok for you and your employees to take time out for your mental wellbeing.”
Alex continued: “Although we initially designed these hoodies for office workers, we are confident that they would be just as useful for anyone suffering from anxious symptoms. However, it is important to note that anyone who is suffering from anxiety should seek the help of a medical professional.”
