World's first Anti-Anxiety Hoodie
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With UK searches for “work anxiety” up 21% year on year (Google Trends) and 54% of the UK population admitting they often experience anxiety about life (YouGov), 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.
Just some of the features include:
- Heavy Weight Garment – 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
- Chewable toggle/Fidget zip – 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. Research into chewing gum revealed the action of chewing relieved perceptions of stress in stressed and non-stressed individuals.
- 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.
- 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 £40, depending on the level of personalisation required.
Research using Google Trends data found that UK searches for “work anxiety” are up 21% year on year and searches for “covid anxiety syndrome” are up 17% YoY (01.04.2021 - 31.03.2022 vs 01.04.2020 - 31.03.2021). As a result, Banana Moon wanted to take the sensory applications and apply them to a comfortable garment that can be worn when working from home or in the office.
Managing Director of Banana Moon, Alex Grace, said of the approach:
“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 Grace 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.”
About Banana Moon Clothing
Banana Moon creates and supplies high quality personalised clothing that inspires individual and business confidence, conveys personality, and brings people together around the world. Operating from our own facility in Yorkshire, UK, we’re an energetic and responsive family business with exceptional in-house production capability and creative talent