Anti-stress ball - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Life has its ups and downs, and no matter which way you move, it can be stressful. The body builds up tension, and if it's not released, you can start to lose sleep and focus, and your health can suffer. Sometimes all it takes to get you back on track is a little meditative fist shake.
Whether it's a crisis at work, a meltdown at homework, or a personal struggle, a stress ball is designed to help ease you out of sticky situations. The best ones are durable, come in a color or shape you like, and have a satisfying strength. Some stress balls even have some "bells and whistles," like texture and fragrance.
If you want to know how beneficial the right stress ball can be for your overall well-being, read on. If you already know how useful these small affordable therapeutic devices can be and want to perfect the cutting-edge models, consider the stress balls we're highlighting in this article.
Main Areas of Interest
When looking for a stress ball, there are three main areas to focus on: size, firmness, and durability.
- Size
Although the size of a stress ball is pretty standard, roughly 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter, buy carefully. Some models are smaller because they are designed for promotional use, and while they may be suitable for a child, an adult may be disappointed. Going the other direction, there are some stress balls designed to be used with two hands. These products are often classified as toys rather than therapeutic items.
If you want a stress ball that you can grab, pinch, and throw with both hands, you'll have to look a little further for that type, but they do exist.
- Firmness
This is the crucial element. A stress ball that's too firm to squeeze could add to the frustration or even hurt your hands. A stress ball that is too soft and easy to squeeze could reduce your satisfaction. It may take a bit of trial and error to find the right firmness, but the materials inside can give you a clue. For example, clay is much harder to squeeze than polyurethane (think Nerf).
- Durability
As with any product, you want to buy something that will last. In most cases, a simple stress ball that's made of polyurethane would be adequate, but when you're getting into stress balls with gel sealed inside, you'll want to make sure the outer material doesn't rip or tear easily.
Characteristic
After you've found a stress ball that fits easily in your hand and has the desired level of firmness, there are a few other features to consider. These items can increase (or decrease) your experience, though none should be considered dealbreakers.
- Way
Because they can be molded from polyurethane, stress balls can take almost any shape imaginable, from cubes to dolphins to soccer balls to pigs. In most cases, the shape has more to do with how the object looks on the desktop than how effective it is.
- Amount
Although you can buy a single stress ball, they often come in packs of three, six, or twelve. If you want more than one, or if you want to give them away, find a package that has the number of stress balls you want.
- Colour
Color can affect your mood. If you don't like the color red, stay away from red stress balls as they could aggravate you even more. Or, get yourself a red stress ball so you can feel the satisfaction of crushing it over and over again.
- Motivational Messages
If you're using your stress ball as a means of winding down, something with a simple motivational message (like "Choose happy") might help you get into the right frame of mind more easily.
- Texture
Some stress balls have a different texture. If you're looking for more than just polyurethane foam, don't worry' you can get balls that are covered in fabric for a different texture.
- Aromatherapy
If pleasant scents help you relax, look for something that releases a calming fragrance as you squeeze.
Other Fun Features
Once you leave the realm of the typical stress ball, almost anything goes. Although rare, some stress balls have electronics with lights and sounds to activate your senses. Some are designed to create ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) sounds, which intensify the calming qualities of the squeeze. Some are made to make throwing, hitting, or punching more satisfying. If the average stress ball doesn't do it for you, look around for other options.
Other Benefits of Stress Balls
As the title suggests, stress balls can help relieve stress and anxiety. However, there are a number of other benefits that these soft, tempting items offer.
Improved Concentration : Active individuals or those who have difficulty sitting still can benefit from the physical action of squeezing and releasing a stress ball when trying to focus or learn.
Lowering Blood Pressure : Through research and trials, doctors have determined that a regular exercise regimen that involves squeezing, holding, and releasing a stress ball can have a positive impact on blood pressure in some individuals.
Muscle Building : Individuals who regularly use a stress ball can build muscles in their hands, wrists, and forearms.
Increased flexibility, dexterity, and strength of individual fingers : Certain pressing exercises, which focus on individual fingers rather than the entire hand, offer a wide range of benefits, including dexterity and flexibility.
Controlled Arthritis : A study conducted at the University of Oxford concluded that the addition of stress ball exercises to other more traditional treatments could help increase the effectiveness of those treatments.
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