Hand stress balls
The 8 Best Stress Balls for Stress Relief in 2022
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Psych Central only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.Was this helpful?
If you’re looking for a way to relieve stress at home, work, or school, grabbing a stress ball may help.
In today’s busy world, stress always seems to creep up, and it can greatly affect your physical and mental health.
Finding ways to cope may help you limit the effects of stress. But when you’re right in the middle of a busy day, it can be tough to sneak away for helpful stress-relieving strategies like meditation, aromatherapy, or taking a walk.
While their effectiveness hasn’t been proven in scientific research, many people find that squishy, squeezable stress balls help them feel more centered when stress arises.
Stress balls are malleable balls designed to help people manage stress. Using a stress ball is simple — just squeeze, squish, or manipulate the ball.
They come in various materials and may help you cope when strong emotions like panic or anger arise. Because they’re small and portable, they’re easy to use in nearly any environment — whether you’re at home or traveling.
Though scientific evidence of their effectiveness is lacking, it doesn’t mean that stress balls won’t work for you.
If you want to jump directly to the sections for each product, you can click the links below.
- Best for different levels of resistance: Peradix Hand Grip Stress Relief Ball
- Best water bead stress ball: Small Fish Sensory Stress Ball
- Best stress ball for kids: IMPRESA Stress Relief Balls
- Best scented stress ball: Lavender Luvies Scented Stress Balls
- Best for travel stress ball: MEIEST Dumpling Squishy Stress Balls
- Best motivational stress ball: KDG Motivational Stress Balls
- Best sensory stress ball: MONBASA 3D Pop It Ball
- Best stretchy stress ball: Fun a Ton Stretchy Balls
With so many stress balls on the market, it can be challenging to sort through them all. To help find the best option and choose our top picks, we focused on:
- positive customer reviews
- cost
- high overall ratings from customers
Also, all selected products have been vetted to ensure they meet Psych Central’s medical, editorial, and business standards.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are included below. One dollar sign means the product is lower priced, whereas three dollar signs mean it’s in a higher price range.
Pricing guide:
- $ = under $10
- $$ = $10–$20
- $$$ = over $20
Was this helpful?
Best for different levels of resistance
Peradix Hand Grip Stress Relief Ball
- Price: $$
- Material: Thermoplastic rubber
- Filling: None
This set of three colorful stress relief balls works for various uses, including:
- stress relief
- grip strength training
- injury rehab
Why we chose it
If you want variety in terms of resistance levels, this set gives you three options. Plus, the set gets rave reviews from customers — over 8,000 four-star+ ratings on Amazon.
What we like
- The balls offer three levels of resistance — 15, 25, and 30 kilograms (kg).
- They’re easy to wash in plain water.
- They’re safe for adults and kids.
What to look out for
- Some people say they wish they were bigger.
- The higher resistance balls may be more difficult or too hard to squeeze for some.
Get at Amazon
Best water bead stress ball
Small Fish Sensory Stress Ball
- Price: $$$
- Material: Thermoplastic rubber
- Filling: Beads and water
This 12-pack of water bead stress balls is great if you’re looking for a specific gel-like feel. The easy-to-clean balls are also small enough for children’s hands (though the product isn’t recommended for children younger than 3 years).
Why we chose it
The small squishy beads are paired with a tiny amount of water to deliver a satisfying feel. Plus, the product gets consistently high ratings from customers.
What we like
- The balls come with a handy storage box.
- They’re also BPA-free and covered in a light layer of powder to prevent stickiness.
What to look out for
- They’re not safe for children under 3 years old because the inner beads pose a choking hazard.
Get at Amazon
Best stress ball for kids
IMPRESA Stress Relief Balls
- Price: $$
- Material: Thermoplastic rubber
- Filling: None
These squishy rubber balls are ideal for children’s hands because of their small size and safe design. The trio of primary-colored balls is also easy to wash with warm water and gentle dish soap.
Why we chose it
The high quality thermoplastic rubber is BPA-free and durable enough for kids to use.
What we like
- The balls are stretchy and tear resistant.
- They have a bounce to them, which may be fun for kids.
What to look out for
- Some reviewers say they have a sticky texture.
- Some users find them too hard for their liking.
Get at Amazon
Best scented stress ball
Lavender Luvies Scented Stress Balls
- Price: $$$
- Material: Lycra spandex
- Filling: Lavender flowers
There’s a reason so many sleep products are infused with lavender. For some, research indicates that the scent of lavender may help ease anxiety and instill a sense of calm in some people.
These scented stress balls contain lavender flowers to help promote relaxation.
Why we chose it
The lavender filling provides a double dose of calm, and reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
What we like
- The balls are handmade and Fair Trade.
- They have a pleasant scent.
What to look out for
- Some people complain of durability issues.
Get at Amazon
Best stress ball for travel
MEIEST Dumpling Squishy Stress Balls
- Price: $$
- Material: Thermoplastic rubber
- Filling: Gel
Admittedly, most stress balls are travel-sized. But these adorable dumpling-shaped stress balls include a handy stowaway container for on-the-go use. A gel interior provides a fluid and satisfying squishy feel.
Why we chose it
Each “dumpling” comes with a steamer basket case, making these perfect for travel. The case also keeps the stress ball clean.
What we like
- Easy to clean with soap and water.
- Makes a cute and practical gift.
What to look out for
- They have a strong chemical smell right out of the package.
Get at Amazon
Best motivational stress ball
KDG Motivational Stress Balls
- Price: $$
- Material: Polyurethane
- Filling: None
We all need a little bit of extra motivation sometimes. This pack of four stress balls features motivational notes to help give you some added pep in your day.
Why we chose it
The motivational words are a nice reminder at times when it may be hard to think positively.
What we like
- The balls are stain-resistant.
- They’re also nonstick and easy to wipe clean.
- The stress balls are lightweight.
What to look out for
- Some say they’re not moldable enough.
Get at Amazon
Best sensory stress ball
MONBASA 3D Pop It Ball
- Price: $
- Material: Food-grade silicone
- Filling: None
This combination of stress ball and fidget toy is a sensory delight thanks to its squeezable design and poppable protrusions. Plus, it’s fun and colorful!
Why we chose it
The poppable bumps offer a sensory and audible experience in addition to providing squishable stress relief.
What we like
- The ball is BPA and latex-free.
- It’s also easy to clean and doesn’t have a sticky texture.
- It’s suitable for adults and children.
What to look out for
- You can only pop two or three bubbles at a time.
- Some reviewers report that the ball arrived deflated.
Get at Amazon
Best stretchy stress ball
Fun a Ton Stretchy Balls
- Price: $
- Material: Polymer
- Filling: None
If squishing and squeezing isn’t enough for you, consider this stretchy stress ball that mimics the feel of stretching a ball of dough.
Why we chose it
It has many positive reviews and a unique stretchy design.
What we like
- The stretchy filling has a feel similar to playdough.
- It comes in various colors.
- It’s also budget-friendly.
What to look out for
- Something to keep in mind is that aside from saying that it’s a “polymer” (something made from joining many small molecules), there’s no mention of what these are made of exactly.
- You may run into potential durability issues.
Get at Amazon
Didn’t find what you were looking for on our list? Here are some tips for finding a stress ball to fit your needs:
- Is it for you or someone else? A child, for example, may find a smaller ball more comfortable for their tiny hands.
- Do you have any sensory preferences? Not everyone likes the feeling of rubber. Maybe you prefer something with a softer feel. Stress balls come in varied materials and textures to suit various likes and dislikes.
- How many do you need? If you plan to use your stress ball at home, at the office, and elsewhere, it might be handy to purchase a pack of stress balls. Many come in multipacks to ensure you always have your coping tool nearby.
Scientific evidence on the effectiveness of stress balls is limited, but there are plenty of other stress-relieving strategies you could try, including:
- music
- a cup of tea
- meditation
- coloring books
- aromatherapy
- bath products
It’s good to keep in mind that everyone copes with stress differently. What works for you may do nothing for another person and the other way around. But by trying out different strategies, you’re likely to find one that works for you.
Stress-relief products like stress balls may be enough to help you find temporary relief.
Still, if you feel like the stress is ongoing and considerably affecting your quality of life, it may be beneficial to speak with a doctor or mental health professional.
They can help you develop a treatment plan and find additional resources to help manage stress.
How do stress balls release stress?
Research on the effectiveness of stress balls is very limited and mixed.
A 2018 clinical trial involving 135 people with skin cancer found that hand squeezing or squeezing a stress ball didn’t do much to alleviate pain or anxiety during skin cancer removal surgery.
But researchers concluded that some people might benefit from using these strategies even if most people don’t.
For instance, a randomized controlled trial from 2020 found that while stress balls didn’t affect vital signs in people receiving dialysis, they did help reduce stress levels.
Still, while squeezing a stress ball won’t magically get rid of all your stress and anxiety, some people find it helps them manage their emotions in the moment.
Are there any other benefits to stress balls?
Research from 2018 noted that squeezing and manipulating a stress ball may help improve grip strength.
Plus, a 2018 study suggests that fidget spinners may help improve fine motor control. Since some stress balls are designed similarly to fidget spinners, they may also do the same. Still, research on this specifically is unavailable.
What’s inside a stress ball?
It depends on the stress ball. Some are made of squishy polyurethane that molds to your hand and bounces back to its original shape. These don’t contain any filling. Others contain gel-like beads.
While there’s limited evidence suggesting stress balls may reduce stress, many people find them helpful for working through difficult emotions like frustration and panic.
Plus, because stress balls are typically inexpensive, they’re an easy coping mechanism to try out for yourself.
If you’re experiencing chronic stress that’s making it difficult to function, you may find it helpful to talk with a doctor or mental health professional.
The 8 Best Stress Balls for Stress Relief in 2022
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Psych Central only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.Was this helpful?
If you’re looking for a way to relieve stress at home, work, or school, grabbing a stress ball may help.
In today’s busy world, stress always seems to creep up, and it can greatly affect your physical and mental health.
Finding ways to cope may help you limit the effects of stress. But when you’re right in the middle of a busy day, it can be tough to sneak away for helpful stress-relieving strategies like meditation, aromatherapy, or taking a walk.
While their effectiveness hasn’t been proven in scientific research, many people find that squishy, squeezable stress balls help them feel more centered when stress arises.
Stress balls are malleable balls designed to help people manage stress. Using a stress ball is simple — just squeeze, squish, or manipulate the ball.
They come in various materials and may help you cope when strong emotions like panic or anger arise. Because they’re small and portable, they’re easy to use in nearly any environment — whether you’re at home or traveling.
Though scientific evidence of their effectiveness is lacking, it doesn’t mean that stress balls won’t work for you.
If you want to jump directly to the sections for each product, you can click the links below.
- Best for different levels of resistance: Peradix Hand Grip Stress Relief Ball
- Best water bead stress ball: Small Fish Sensory Stress Ball
- Best stress ball for kids: IMPRESA Stress Relief Balls
- Best scented stress ball: Lavender Luvies Scented Stress Balls
- Best for travel stress ball: MEIEST Dumpling Squishy Stress Balls
- Best motivational stress ball: KDG Motivational Stress Balls
- Best sensory stress ball: MONBASA 3D Pop It Ball
- Best stretchy stress ball: Fun a Ton Stretchy Balls
With so many stress balls on the market, it can be challenging to sort through them all. To help find the best option and choose our top picks, we focused on:
- positive customer reviews
- cost
- high overall ratings from customers
Also, all selected products have been vetted to ensure they meet Psych Central’s medical, editorial, and business standards.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are included below. One dollar sign means the product is lower priced, whereas three dollar signs mean it’s in a higher price range.
Pricing guide:
- $ = under $10
- $$ = $10–$20
- $$$ = over $20
Was this helpful?
Best for different levels of resistance
Peradix Hand Grip Stress Relief Ball
- Price: $$
- Material: Thermoplastic rubber
- Filling: None
This set of three colorful stress relief balls works for various uses, including:
- stress relief
- grip strength training
- injury rehab
Why we chose it
If you want variety in terms of resistance levels, this set gives you three options. Plus, the set gets rave reviews from customers — over 8,000 four-star+ ratings on Amazon.
What we like
- The balls offer three levels of resistance — 15, 25, and 30 kilograms (kg).
- They’re easy to wash in plain water.
- They’re safe for adults and kids.
What to look out for
- Some people say they wish they were bigger.
- The higher resistance balls may be more difficult or too hard to squeeze for some.
Get at Amazon
Best water bead stress ball
Small Fish Sensory Stress Ball
- Price: $$$
- Material: Thermoplastic rubber
- Filling: Beads and water
This 12-pack of water bead stress balls is great if you’re looking for a specific gel-like feel. The easy-to-clean balls are also small enough for children’s hands (though the product isn’t recommended for children younger than 3 years).
Why we chose it
The small squishy beads are paired with a tiny amount of water to deliver a satisfying feel. Plus, the product gets consistently high ratings from customers.
What we like
- The balls come with a handy storage box.
- They’re also BPA-free and covered in a light layer of powder to prevent stickiness.
What to look out for
- They’re not safe for children under 3 years old because the inner beads pose a choking hazard.
Get at Amazon
Best stress ball for kids
IMPRESA Stress Relief Balls
- Price: $$
- Material: Thermoplastic rubber
- Filling: None
These squishy rubber balls are ideal for children’s hands because of their small size and safe design. The trio of primary-colored balls is also easy to wash with warm water and gentle dish soap.
Why we chose it
The high quality thermoplastic rubber is BPA-free and durable enough for kids to use.
What we like
- The balls are stretchy and tear resistant.
- They have a bounce to them, which may be fun for kids.
What to look out for
- Some reviewers say they have a sticky texture.
- Some users find them too hard for their liking.
Get at Amazon
Best scented stress ball
Lavender Luvies Scented Stress Balls
- Price: $$$
- Material: Lycra spandex
- Filling: Lavender flowers
There’s a reason so many sleep products are infused with lavender. For some, research indicates that the scent of lavender may help ease anxiety and instill a sense of calm in some people.
These scented stress balls contain lavender flowers to help promote relaxation.
Why we chose it
The lavender filling provides a double dose of calm, and reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
What we like
- The balls are handmade and Fair Trade.
- They have a pleasant scent.
What to look out for
- Some people complain of durability issues.
Get at Amazon
Best stress ball for travel
MEIEST Dumpling Squishy Stress Balls
- Price: $$
- Material: Thermoplastic rubber
- Filling: Gel
Admittedly, most stress balls are travel-sized. But these adorable dumpling-shaped stress balls include a handy stowaway container for on-the-go use. A gel interior provides a fluid and satisfying squishy feel.
Why we chose it
Each “dumpling” comes with a steamer basket case, making these perfect for travel. The case also keeps the stress ball clean.
What we like
- Easy to clean with soap and water.
- Makes a cute and practical gift.
What to look out for
- They have a strong chemical smell right out of the package.
Get at Amazon
Best motivational stress ball
KDG Motivational Stress Balls
- Price: $$
- Material: Polyurethane
- Filling: None
We all need a little bit of extra motivation sometimes. This pack of four stress balls features motivational notes to help give you some added pep in your day.
Why we chose it
The motivational words are a nice reminder at times when it may be hard to think positively.
What we like
- The balls are stain-resistant.
- They’re also nonstick and easy to wipe clean.
- The stress balls are lightweight.
What to look out for
- Some say they’re not moldable enough.
Get at Amazon
Best sensory stress ball
MONBASA 3D Pop It Ball
- Price: $
- Material: Food-grade silicone
- Filling: None
This combination of stress ball and fidget toy is a sensory delight thanks to its squeezable design and poppable protrusions. Plus, it’s fun and colorful!
Why we chose it
The poppable bumps offer a sensory and audible experience in addition to providing squishable stress relief.
What we like
- The ball is BPA and latex-free.
- It’s also easy to clean and doesn’t have a sticky texture.
- It’s suitable for adults and children.
What to look out for
- You can only pop two or three bubbles at a time.
- Some reviewers report that the ball arrived deflated.
Get at Amazon
Best stretchy stress ball
Fun a Ton Stretchy Balls
- Price: $
- Material: Polymer
- Filling: None
If squishing and squeezing isn’t enough for you, consider this stretchy stress ball that mimics the feel of stretching a ball of dough.
Why we chose it
It has many positive reviews and a unique stretchy design.
What we like
- The stretchy filling has a feel similar to playdough.
- It comes in various colors.
- It’s also budget-friendly.
What to look out for
- Something to keep in mind is that aside from saying that it’s a “polymer” (something made from joining many small molecules), there’s no mention of what these are made of exactly.
- You may run into potential durability issues.
Get at Amazon
Didn’t find what you were looking for on our list? Here are some tips for finding a stress ball to fit your needs:
- Is it for you or someone else? A child, for example, may find a smaller ball more comfortable for their tiny hands.
- Do you have any sensory preferences? Not everyone likes the feeling of rubber. Maybe you prefer something with a softer feel. Stress balls come in varied materials and textures to suit various likes and dislikes.
- How many do you need? If you plan to use your stress ball at home, at the office, and elsewhere, it might be handy to purchase a pack of stress balls. Many come in multipacks to ensure you always have your coping tool nearby.
Scientific evidence on the effectiveness of stress balls is limited, but there are plenty of other stress-relieving strategies you could try, including:
- music
- a cup of tea
- meditation
- coloring books
- aromatherapy
- bath products
It’s good to keep in mind that everyone copes with stress differently. What works for you may do nothing for another person and the other way around. But by trying out different strategies, you’re likely to find one that works for you.
Stress-relief products like stress balls may be enough to help you find temporary relief.
Still, if you feel like the stress is ongoing and considerably affecting your quality of life, it may be beneficial to speak with a doctor or mental health professional.
They can help you develop a treatment plan and find additional resources to help manage stress.
How do stress balls release stress?
Research on the effectiveness of stress balls is very limited and mixed.
A 2018 clinical trial involving 135 people with skin cancer found that hand squeezing or squeezing a stress ball didn’t do much to alleviate pain or anxiety during skin cancer removal surgery.
But researchers concluded that some people might benefit from using these strategies even if most people don’t.
For instance, a randomized controlled trial from 2020 found that while stress balls didn’t affect vital signs in people receiving dialysis, they did help reduce stress levels.
Still, while squeezing a stress ball won’t magically get rid of all your stress and anxiety, some people find it helps them manage their emotions in the moment.
Are there any other benefits to stress balls?
Research from 2018 noted that squeezing and manipulating a stress ball may help improve grip strength.
Plus, a 2018 study suggests that fidget spinners may help improve fine motor control. Since some stress balls are designed similarly to fidget spinners, they may also do the same. Still, research on this specifically is unavailable.
What’s inside a stress ball?
It depends on the stress ball. Some are made of squishy polyurethane that molds to your hand and bounces back to its original shape. These don’t contain any filling. Others contain gel-like beads.
While there’s limited evidence suggesting stress balls may reduce stress, many people find them helpful for working through difficult emotions like frustration and panic.
Plus, because stress balls are typically inexpensive, they’re an easy coping mechanism to try out for yourself.
If you’re experiencing chronic stress that’s making it difficult to function, you may find it helpful to talk with a doctor or mental health professional.
Why antistress toys are useful and do they really help — Gala Center
- How antistress toys work
- Do anti-stress toys help with anxiety?
- Why are anti-stress toys useful?
- Stress relief toys to buy
What do you do when you're nervous? Gnawing on the cap of a pen, breaking pencils, taking off and putting back on a ring, cracking your knuckles, or twirling your hair around your finger? Stress is a powerful destructive force that leads to physical and emotional problems. Often it causes headaches, indigestion, nausea, insomnia, shortness of breath, chronic fatigue and strained relationships with the outside world. If left unchecked, it will go further - increase blood pressure, lead to obesity (since many stress eat sandwiches and sweets) or diabetes. Sometimes life can piss off even the calmest person. The main thing is to find your Zen, with the help of which you will quickly collect your thoughts and calm down. Psychologists call toys for stress relief excellent helpers in stressful situations. They help to get rid of anxiety, restlessness, tension and aggression, to focus or just to have fun.
Such gadgets work in two directions - by the influence of color on the psycho-emotional state of a person (color therapy) and the therapeutic effect on the body.
Psychologists advise when choosing anti-stress toys to pay attention to their color. The crayons, balls and squishes for stress relief are made in bright, cheerful and positive colors. When you look at them or pick them up, there is an unconscious effect on the psyche . Juicy colors charge with positive, tune in to optimistic thoughts, improve mood and make you smile, relax.
The second important thing about is the feel of . Very often in stressful situations, a person does not understand the words. It is important to take him by the hand or hug him, because in emergency cases, touches have a healing effect. Anti-stress toys are always pleasant to the touch, and therefore you don’t want to let go of them.
And the most important nuance is that you simply convey all the negativity, tension and aggression to the toy. It forces your hands to make simple, repetitive movements that eventually become almost unconscious. Anxiety, stress or anxiety are redirected to the pulp, and long-awaited peace comes to you.
Do anti-stress toys help with anxiety?
Research has shown that distractions such as anti-stress toys increase productivity by allowing the mind to rest and focus more on the task at hand.
This is the best proof of the following experiment: each sixth grader was given an anti-stress toy, after which the children began to be less distracted in the classroom. Another experiment showed that stress balls helped calm patients before surgeries. The flakes brought calmness and normalized blood pressure. After the operation, patients using anti-stress toys complained less of pain.
When stress fills you to the brim and has no outlet, it begins to destroy you. The body tenses up, you cannot concentrate, everything falls out of your hands, there is no concentration of attention. Physical relaxation helps release some of this energy. Squeezing an anti-stress ball helps release negative energy and relax. And although such a gadget is not able to relieve you of stress forever, but it allows you to calm down here and now. And this is a salvation from high blood pressure, headaches and bitten nails.
How useful are anti-stress toys?
No. 1. distraction factor. If you're feeling restless or anxious, squeezing an anti-stress toy - a squish or a crayon - can help you take your mind off an upcoming dental appointment, calm down before an exam, or gather your thoughts before an important job interview.
No. 2. Favorable effect on the nervous system. Many nerves are found in our wrists and hands and are directly connected to the brain. When you squeeze an anti-stress ball or squishy, you stimulate the nerve endings, which is positively reflected in the nervous system and reduces the production of stress hormones.
No. 3. Fighting anger and anxiety. Softener reduces excitement, anxiety, restlessness, tension, anger, aggression. It helps to let off steam and reduce the tension and negative emotions accumulated inside. An excellent tool in the fight against irritability.
No. 4. Improve mood. Colorful grinders and squishes stabilize the emotional background and, consequently, improve the quality of sleep and relationships with other people. Thanks to them, a reboot occurs on an emotional and intellectual level.
No. 5. Rehabilitation after injuries. Anti-stress toys improve hand flexibility, strengthen muscles, and help restore mobility after injuries. They also help relieve stress after a day at the computer.
No. 6. Enhance the quality of life. Regular use of toys to relieve stress brings better results than meditation because it reduces the production of cortisol. When you worry less, your productivity and focus increase. You do your job better, get tired less, enjoy life more.
Stress relief toys to buy
We present to your attention toys for stress relief that will help you quickly relax:
Ball plasticine. Fun tactile fun for the whole family. Squeeze, sculpt, roll, throw to deal with anxiety, worry, or anger. Ball plasticine does not dry out and does not cause a mess. It does not leave stains on furniture, does not stick to clothes and carpets.
HOBBYHIT Plasticine ball, polystyrene, 19x14x1cm, 55-60g, 6-10 colors
₽ /pc.
Non-hardening ball plasticine, in egg, 8g, 9x6x6cm, 4+, 8 colors
0₽ /pc.
Ball plasticine, polymer, 12x8x12cm, 6-8 colors
0₽ /pc.
Modeling clay or smart clay. Sculpt, tear, pull, crush or squeeze to deal with anxiety and find your Zen. Spending time with modeling mass helps to disconnect from negative thoughts, relax, focus and increase concentration. A great helper when you need a new idea for a new business project or you have an emergency at work and your brain needs 15 minutes of rest. You can buy a smart mass of different types: glowing in the dark, attracted by a magnet, in the form of liquid glass, a chameleon.
Smart mass Soft glass, (plasticine), polymer, 43-50g
0₽ /pc.
LASTIKS Smart mass, 58-60g, polymer, 9x2.5cm, 2 designs
0₽ /pc.
LASTIKS Smart mass, 43-50g, polymer, 6x2.5cm, 2 designs
0₽ /pc.
Interesting read:
• What to do with children at home? Psychologists named 12 reasons to buy board games0023 • How a foot massager relieves pain, depression and insomnia
• How to increase immunity and protect the body from viruses with the help of dietary supplements
Kinetic sand. The new version of the sand is actively used for therapeutic purposes. It has a positive effect on the psyche and emotional state of adults and children. If your child is nervous and irritable, playing with kinetic sand will help him become calmer and better manage his emotions. The sand does not crumble, and therefore you can play with it in the apartment. Easy to assemble, leaves no mess.
Kinetic sand 500, set: 6 molds, plastic, sand 500g, 6 colors
₽ /pc.
Kinetic sand, set: 6-7 molds, plastic, sand 1000g, 6 colors
₽ /pc.
Stress relievers. Squeeze, throw, stretch to reduce anger and anxiety. Compact anti-stress toys are convenient to take to work, study or travel. Helps to increase attention and focus on the task at hand. A good gift for children to train fine motor skills.
LASTIKS Antistress toy, TPR, polyester, 6cm, 5 designs
47₽ /pc
Soft toy "Funny faces", scented, PU, metal, d7.5cm, 4-6 designs
$0 /pc.
LASTIKS Half fruit pulper, PU, 10x5cm, 4-6 designs
0₽ /pc.
LASTIKS Softener "Squish cute animals", scented, 8-12cm, polyurethane, 6-12 designs
90₽ /piece
Squishy. Soft, pleasant to the touch anti-stress toys perfectly relieve stress. After pressing, they instantly return to their original shape. Suitable for kids over three years old, schoolchildren, students and office workers. You can buy squishes in the form of fruits, food, animals.
HOBBYHIT DIY kit "Confectionery squish", PU, plastic, 12x18cm, 2 designs
0₽ /pc.
LASTIKS Softener "Squish ball" with suspension, scented, PU, 6.5-7cm, 6-10 designs
0₽ /pc.
LASTIKS Softener "Squish cute animals", scented, 8-12cm, polyurethane, 6-12 designs
90₽ /pc.
LASTIKS Squish food, flavored, 8-13cm, polyurethane, 4-8 designs
0₽ /pc.
Antistress coloring pages. When you focus on coloring a picture, you calm yourself, allowing your brain to rest and relax. According to psychologists, coloring books help to cope with many emotional problems. You concentrate on the drawing, distract from negative thoughts and fully concentrate on the positive activity. This is a good alternative to meditation. For a few minutes or hours, you are completely distracted from intrusive disturbing thoughts.
Now you have at least 6 effective anti-stress assistants that will help you put your mood in order, increase productivity and start smiling instead of being constantly angry and annoyed. And remember: everything passes and no matter how stressful the situation is, health and love of life are more important. And the anti-stress grinder will help you stay calm and control emotions under any conditions.
Give knead: what are good anti-stress toys | Article
Twisting a strand of hair in excitement, fiddling with a collar, chewing on a pencil or rolling a piece of bread on the table does not make sense in the era of anti-stress toys. Specialists of the Federal Budgetary Institution "Novosibirsk Research Institute of Hygiene" of Rospotrebnadzor conducted the first stage of experimental research work to study the influence of various pop-its, squishes and mashes on the cognitive functions and psycho-emotional state of children. Do such toys really reduce anxiety and even help to be less bored when separated from loved ones - in the material of Izvestia.
Playfully get rid of anxiety
Novosibirsk scientists are positive: in their opinion, anti-stress toys can not only relieve stress and affect fine motor skills of hands, but can even replace gadgets for little Russians - the scourge of our days. It is even planned to develop guidelines on how to use such items in the educational process. Specialists of the Research Institute of Hygiene are working on the study of the expected effects of anti-stress toys on children, predicting such effects and assessing their long-term.
“Indicators that characterize the concentration of attention and mental performance, mood, appetite, success in performing dosed tasks, the need for verbal communication are subject to study,” the institute’s website says.
Photo: Global Look Press/Keystone Press Agency/Jorge Gil
According to experts, anti-stress toys really affect the central nervous system due to fine motor skills of the fingers and by switching attention. This provides a fast relaxing effect, comparable in effectiveness to a well-organized dynamic pause.
— The survey will be conducted throughout the academic year and summer holidays. The first fragment of the pilot phase has now been completed. The first results have been obtained that will make it possible to correct the course of further research and focus on the identified features of the physiological reactions of children to contact with a toy, as well as, during repeated observations, to establish the repeatability of the results obtained , the deputy director of the Federal Budgetary Institution Novosibirsk Research Institute of Hygiene of Rospotrebnadzor told Izvestia candidate of medical sciences Sergey Romanenko.
According to the expert, after dosed contact with anti-stress toys, more than two-thirds of children showed a decrease in anxiety, there was no deterioration in mood, stable indicators of mental performance, and a less pronounced reaction to stress.
Photo: TASS/DPA/Guido Kirchner
Wide choice
At the first stage of the research, the SRI specialists studied such toys as squishes and pop-its. In the future, it is planned to expand the list by adding toffee bracelets, snappers (expander toys with two suction cups inside), elastic balls and sticky balls (balls) that children like to throw on a smooth surface.
Pop-it (literally - "pop it") experienced its peak of popularity 1.5 years ago, when there was a real boom in Russia for this toy. Now children are less likely to ask their parents to buy them funny trinkets, but in vain.
— The main action of pop-it is pressure, during which it makes a pleasant sound. All this is effective in reducing anxiety, focuses attention on the toy, the child is tasked with “bursting” all the bubbles on the panel. Such a toy is an effective way to switch attention, distracts from unpleasant thoughts , - comments Sergey Romanenko.
No less loved by children is the "hug" squish, made of tactilely pleasant material. According to the expert, it can be recommended for children who constantly need contact with loved ones and experience stress from their absence. This toy is good to squeeze and knead to relieve tension.
— Toffee bracelets are made of pleasant material, which is useful to stretch to relieve tension, anxiety, switch attention. And the snappers make a pleasant clicking sound when squeezed: the expected effect of this action is to reduce anxiety , Romanenko comments.
Photo: Global Look Press/Galina Barbieri
Boys' favorite pastimes, elastic balls, also help reduce anxiety. Similar balls are available from dog owners and are popular in families where fathers are boxers. Of course, the anti-stress toy looks a little different. It is designed to reduce anxiety and concentration of the baby. The child throws the ball, the round ball immediately returns to the palm - children love to repeat these actions. Sticky balls are also popular with kids.
- Such a ball should also help reduce anxiety and concentration. Children throw sticky toys at walls, mirrored doors, or other smooth surfaces. They stick, then calmly roll down, either losing or restoring their shape , - Sergey Romanenko describes the principle of the popular toy.
The only disadvantage of such knick-knacks, according to experienced parents, is that over time they lose their stickiness, “collecting” dust particles and specks on themselves. Fortunately, their price is not very high.
Pop-its instead of laces
Child psychologists also positively evaluate anti-stress toys, attaching great importance to them.
— These items are designed to develop fine motor skills. In the cerebral cortex, the lobe responsible for the motor abilities of the hands is located very close to the speech area of the brain. Therefore, we can say that if a child has poorly developed motor skills, then speech will suffer from this, and vice versa. In addition, finger activity helps to calm down, disconnect from a stressful situation, live through emotions and “settle down” this or that information , - Anna Timofeenko, head of psychological support for teenagers at MAXIMUM Education, comments.
According to the specialist, anti-stress toys are especially relevant for children, as it is more difficult for them to cope with an abundance of emotions and overexcitation at the physiological level. Anna Timofeenko complains that the level of development of fine motor skills in modern children is many times lower than in other generations. In particular, today not so much attention is paid to the development of motor activity of the fingers of children of preschool and primary school age. This is also facilitated by the modern device of life: kids do not fasten buttons, since they are most often replaced by zippers on clothes, and Velcro flaunts instead of laces on shoes.
Photo: Global Look Press/imageBROKER/STELLA
- Parents themselves sometimes limit the possibility of developing fine motor skills, constantly pulling the little ones: "do not pick in the ground, now you will get all dirty" or "oh, don't need plasticine, all the walls will be in it. " Not to mention the fact that during the holidays, modern children most often hold gadgets in their hands, Timofeenko argues.
The expert notes that children are drawn to pop-its and simple-dimples with pleasure precisely because they have a need to develop fine motor skills. And this is great: any tactile toys - spinners, simple dimples, slimes and chewing gum for hands - help to concentrate, relieve stress and are really good for the psyche, because they give the child the opportunity to diversify their tactile experience.
— It is only important that the use of such toys does not become the main way of distracting and calming the child, because after all it is a kind of crutch for coping with stress. And ideally, it’s good that over time the child forms some other mechanism for living emotions , Timofeenko continues.
The psychologist positively assesses the prospects for using anti-stress toys in the educational process - the more activities that develop fine motor skills and tactile experience, the better.
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Away with anxious thoughts
Practicing clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, expert of the "Burning NET" program of the charitable organization "Zhuravlik" Maria Afonina emphasizes the importance of what purpose pop-it, simple-dimple and similar things serve.
— For example, if a child has an unfulfilled need to receive certain sensory sensations, then he can start biting his nails, twisting a lock of hair around his finger, picking the skin on his fingers, etc. You can try to get these sensory sensations through anti-stress toys, correctly picking them up. Then the intensity of unwanted behavior will gradually decrease , - Afonina comments.
The use of anti-stress toys is also beneficial if fatigue has accumulated. For example, when a child writes some work for a long time or does a voluminous homework, his working capacity slowly decreases, and the tension grows. A little rest and switching attention to simple activities with anti-stress toys in this situation will help you recover and continue working more efficiently.
Photo: Global Look Press/Russian Look/Andrey Arkusha
- Another good example of the use of anti-stress toys by children is the work with restless thoughts. When the level of anxiety is elevated, a person begins to scroll through such thoughts in his head, which further increases anxiety. Therefore, it is very important to learn how to move them away. But it is necessary not only to sort out toys in the hands, but to shift the focus of attention from restless thoughts to actions performed and sensory sensations , the psychotherapist continues.
If it is not possible to buy anti-stress toys, the clinical psychologist advises to come up with a substitute for them from improvised means. For example, crumpling a piece of soft plasticine in your hands, sorting out a rosary or beads, disassembling and assembling a Rubik's cube, winding a ball of thread, rolling a su-jok massage ring or an ordinary rubber band on your finger, and, of course, burst air bubbles on packaging film.