Discover effective tips for removing worry dolls. Learn methods to get rid of worry dolls and alleviate anxiety for a more peaceful mindset.
If you want to relax, the Mayans may have something that can help you: their bright worries that can take away your worries.
Most of us need someone to cry on when things go wrong. When our problems are too big and too sensitive to talk about with other people, we look for a friend who will listen to us without judging us.
But if you can’t talk about your problems with a friend or family member, a Guatemalan worry doll can be that reliable friend you can confide in.
An old Mayan story from the mountains of Guatemala tells us that worry dolls, which are called Muñecas quitapena in Spanish, came from these dolls. The story goes that the sun god gave the Mayan princess Ixmucane a magical gift that can fix any problem.
What are Worry Dolls?
The height of a worry doll is one to two inches. Sticks, wood, or string are often used to make them, and they help people deal with stressful conditions. They may be something you’ve seen in Guatemala or Mexico. They might have been a gift from your grandparents when they got back from a cruise. They make great gifts for sure!
People have had these worry dolls for a very long time. They are from the Mayan era. The Mayans had a god called Ixmucane who was both the maker and a mother figure. In honor of Ixmucane, worry dolls are made.
The Mayans thought that Ixmucane could help them get rid of their troubles. So if you get a worry doll, you should put it under your pillow at night and ask it to help you deal with your fears. This will help you forget about your problems. That’s what the story says, anyway.
The story behind these dolls goes back a long time. Then why do we still use them?
It turns out that using worry dolls really does help you get rid of your stress.
The History And Origin Of Worry Dolls:
Traditionally, worry dolls have been used since the time of the Mayan culture, which is based in Guatemala. Mayan mythology says that when people were having problems and fears, they would talk about them with small dolls made from scraps of fabric or wood.
“Muñecas quitapenas,” which means “dolls that take away worries,” was the name for these dolls. People thought that if they told these dolls their problems, the dolls would take them away, letting the person sleep peacefully.
The Magic Behind Worry Dolls:
In Mayan society, worry dolls have a special place, and people all over the world are fascinated by their magical powers. Each doll is usually made by hand and looks like a tiny person dressed in bright traditional clothes.
The dolls are made to take on worries, fears, and concerns. People think that if they whisper their worries to the dolls before bed and then put the dolls under their pillow, the dolls will work hard all night to ease the person’s worries.
Since the beginning of time, little friends with big problems
Mayan custom says that kids who have trouble sleeping or a lot of nightmares should be given worry or trouble dolls.
A child should tell their doll about their fears, sadness, and worries right before bed. They talk about their issues and then put the doll under the pillow. The doll worries about things while the child is asleep, taking away the child’s worries that would keep them from sleeping well otherwise.
It will have done its job by morning, and the child will not have to worry when they wake up. The worry doll’s owner will have to rub its stomach to keep it from hurting because the fears stay with the doll.
Do They Work?
For some, worry dolls are just lucky charms for people who believe in ghosts, but that’s not quite right.
For years, these bright little figures have been very important in modern pediatrics and psychology.
Worry Dolls For Anxiety
Counselors would give the child a worry doll during psychological interviews so that the doll could be a trusted listener, friend, and person to talk to. The worry doll also works as a go-between for the child and the adults they talk to, like their parents, teacher, or psychologist.
Not only do these dolls help kids deal with their feelings and stress, but they also teach them important life skills like how to talk to others.
A very important skill for kids to learn is how to talk about tough feelings and issues. It shows them how to talk to people honestly and clearly, which will help them in their personal relationships later on.
Adults also use worry toys to deal with stress. Transferring your worries to a doll is only a thought exercise, but it can help you create the healthy mental habit of letting go of your worries so you can sleep well.
One main reason people can’t sleep is that they think about things too much. People get things done during the day, but when they’re home alone at night, their worries take over. This is especially true for people who have a lot of thoughts that they haven’t dealt with yet.
You can learn how to deal with your feelings, deal with anxiety over underlying problems, and avoid insomnia in a natural way by giving your fears to the dolls every day. It’s also possible for people to use worry dolls to help them get clear on how to solve their problem.
How Worry Dolls Are Made
Making worry dolls is a craft that both kids and adults can enjoy. Telling the story of the old Mayan myth makes the process even more interesting.
There are different kinds of trouble dolls, but most of them are small, about half an inch to two inches (10 to 20 millimeters) across. When you see bigger worry dolls, they are probably Western ones made from things like glue, wool, and pressed paper.
In Guatemala, they are made by hand with a base made of wire or wood and a face made of cardboard, cotton, or clay. Aguayo, a fabric that comes from Guatemala, is used to make the dolls’ traditional Mayan clothes. Wool and bright fabric scraps are also used.
Mayan worry dolls are usually kept in groups of six so that the owner can choose one doll for each day. This way, the owner can give both the doll and the person a day off every week. There are often directions and a sweet worry doll poem inside the boxes or cloth bags that the dolls come in.
People say that using someone else’s worry doll will bring you bad luck. If you want to safely get rid of old or broken trouble dolls, you might want to bury them somewhere you don’t go or off your land.
How To Use Worry Dolls:
Using worry toys is a simple and private way to deal with stress. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Pick out your worry dolls: You can buy real worry dolls from worrydolls.com.au, which has a lot of handcrafted choices that are made with care and are real.
2. Talk about your fears: Before going to bed, find a quiet place to think about your worries. Put your worry dolls away, close your eyes, and talk out loud about your fears. Tell the dolls what’s on your mind and in your heart.
3. Give the dolls your worries: Putting the worry dolls under your pillow or next to your bed is a way to give them your worries. Have faith that they will do their thing while you sleep.
4. Enjoy a good night’s sleep: You can relax and get a good night’s sleep by taking your problems off of yourself and putting them on the dolls. Have hope that the dolls can help you feel better.
Alternatives To Worry Dolls
You don’t have to go to Mexico or Guatemala to start talking about how you feel and keeping your emotions in check. Of course, if you go, you’ll have interesting facts to share with other visitors!
There are other ways to talk about how you feel and get some relief from the mental pain you may be feeling.
In a book, write down how you feel. If nothing else, writing in a book every night for a few minutes can help you explain how you’re feeling. Keep a notebook close by to write down a routine you can do at night to sleep better when you’re feeling stressed.
Call a friend. Don’t be afraid to talk about how you feel with the people who can help you. Call a friend and ask them to listen to how you’re feeling. It’s natural for most people to want to help their friends and family. Make sure everyone is ready to listen, give help, or just be there.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Are Worry Dolls Only For Children?
No matter what age, people can use worry toys. As a ritual that brings comfort and a way to let go of fears and stresses, they are a symbol.
2. How Many Worry Dolls Should I Use?
You can choose how many worry dolls you want to use. Some people like having just one doll, while others feel better with more than one. Test things out to see what works best for you.
3. Can Worry Dolls Solve All My Problems?
Worry dolls can help you feel better and less stressed, but they aren’t a magic bullet for all of life’s troubles. You can use them to help you relax and feel at peace.
Final Thoughts
Worry dolls are a simple but effective way to calm down and clear your mind when the world seems too much to handle. From Mayan culture, these tiny dolls have a magical quality that can help you relax and sleep well.
You can start the process of feeling calmer and more relaxed by giving your worries to these hand-made dolls and using their symbolic power.