The ball is easily cleaned if it gets dirty from use. The manufacturer recommends washing with dish soap and warm water, then applying some baby powder to keep the grippy texture. When a person is stressed, frustrated, or overwhelmed, they may sometimes want to squeeze something, says Lisa McCrohan, MA, LCSW-C, SEP, a Somatic Experiencing Psychotherapist, Integrative Coach, and author. This is where stress balls can help. They're also helpful for anyone looking to strengthen their grip or recover from a hand injury. Hudson BF, Ogden J, Whiteley MS. Randomized controlled trial to compare the effect of simple distraction interventions on pain and anxiety experienced during conscious surgery. Eur J Pain. 2015;19(10):1447-1455. doi:10.1002/ejp.675

Stress can often manifest itself as tension in the body. When someone is stressed, the muscles in the feet, toes, legs, arms, hands, fingers, or jaw tend to tighten, says McCrohan. Stress balls work because they allow tension (the squeezing action) to happen, which in turn signals the nervous system to move out of a state of stress. The physical action of squeezing a stress ball can relieve tension and expel nervous energy. For those looking for a koosh-style ball, this rainbow option is a fun way to destress. Great for squishing, tossing, or looping around your finger to bounce, it’s made from hypoallergenic soft silica gel and complies with children’s product safety rules, making it a good choice for kids too. We have a wide range of stress balls ranging from squishy stress balls to the original stress ball, we have giant stress balls, plain stress balls, colour changing stress ball, dna stress ball, rainbow stress ball, novelty stress ball, giant stress ball, branded stress balls like the Nee doh ball or character ones that are favoured by children such as our animal stress balls or fruit stress balls such as a pineapple stress ball. Squeezing a stress ball can release tension and help to relieve stress. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

More often than not, she adds, the physical release created by stress balls can actually decrease physical sensations of stress, and other powerful emotions. Smells can have a direct effect on mood. Research shows that lavender has a calming influence over brain waves and neurotransmitters. These stress balls are handmade and filled with dried lavender flowers. Gentle squeezing helps release the scent. They can be smelled, squeezed, and even tossed around in the air due to their lightweight and soft texture. You can make a homemade stress ball by filling a slightly inflated balloon with cornstarch until it's about the size of an egg. Tie it tightly to prevent leaking. Decorate the outside of the balloon with pictures or sayings using permanent markers. Perfect for DIY stress relief. What’s most important, Hunt says, is that you select something that speaks to you in some way, whether it’s the squishability of the ball itself or its shape or color.

Clinical studies haven’t found evidence to support the idea that stress balls reduce stress and anxiety. If you’re looking for a stress ball without the squish, these Chinese baoding balls are a great option, especially if you plan to use them for helping with concentration or during meditation. At one and a half inches in size and one pound in weight, they’re smaller than traditional baoding balls, making them usable for most people. Kids will love the bright colors, as well as the four glow balls that light up. Just keep in mind that the balls can pop. If you're sensitive to smells, you'll probably notice a plastic smell when opening the box, but fortunately, it fades after use. For many people, stress balls can be a useful tool for easing uncomfortable emotions and helping them work through the physical sensations of anxiety, anger, frustration, and tension. The variety of options out there means most people can find a stress ball that will work well for them, whether they’re looking for a particular size or prefer a specific color or material. According to Reinhardt, stress balls can help manage symptoms of frustration, stress, or anger. However, she adds that it’s important to monitor the benefits of using a stress ball in reducing these emotions.It’s important to note that research doesn’t suggest that stress balls can reduce stress and anxiety. Heat or temperature therapy is designed to improve blood flow and circulation—soothing discomfort and easing muscle pain. The temperature may provide a multi-dimensional approach to physical therapy practices in conjunction with the movements used to squeeze a stress ball. The Bed Buddy Store stress ball can be heated or cooled depending on your needs. Filled with natural grains, it provides resistance for squeezing and holding in your hand. Stress balls are generally safe to use for relieving tension and anxiety or for strengthening hand and wrist muscles. If you have a chronic or repetitive use injury in your hands or joints, it's best to get guidance from your doctor before using a stress ball. Children that find transitions difficult may find a stress ball useful as it can help focus and calm the mind, alleviating the anxiety that autistic children and adults or children with ADHD may feel/experience otherwise, acting as a fidget toy to distract. We also considered different styles and materials of stress balls to provide a breadth of useful options. Pricing guide