The Best Stress Ball

Buying Guide

It’s a relatively simple invention. A stress ball is a squeezable, round object typically made from a type of rubber that you can keep at your desk or in your laptop bag. For some users, squeezing stress balls helps relieve everyday frustrations or temporarily redirect their focus.

Do stress balls work? The answer is, it depends. Some studies show that stress balls reduce anxiety and stress, while others contradict those findings. In the end, the answer is that it varies from person to person. For some people, stress balls can provide much-needed relief, while others won’t see any benefit whatsoever.

But stress balls don’t just help with stress. They can also be helpful for relieving hand pain due to arthritis. You can memorize a series of exercises that you work through while watching TV, listening to your favorite music or spending time with your family. These exercises can be geared toward massaging sore tissues, loosening up your joints, strengthening your grip or a combination of all the above.

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Stress balls can be fun for kids, as well. Some children find them entertaining and fun, while others learn to use them for stress relief. They’ve even been used as a type of fidget toy for those who deal with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental issues. If you’re choosing a stress ball for your younger household members, pay close attention to the recommended ages. Some are designed for ages 8 and up.

There are multiple ways to use a stress ball. Of course, you can simply hold the ball in one hand and squeeze as hard as you can for several seconds, then release. But if you’re looking for relief from aches and pains, you can set it on a tabletop and roll it beneath your hand, moving from your fingers all the way to your palm. The key is to find the exercise that works for you and make sure you’ll have your stress ball nearby when you need it.

• In addition to younger children, you might also want to keep your stress ball away from household pets. The material might not be safe if your pet should happen to chew on it.
• Some stress balls are sold in sets, and it’s important to look at the way they are structured. You’ll find sets that offer multiple resistances to let you work your way up as your grip strengthens. This can also be a way to switch between resistances depending on your stress relief ball.
• Some stress relief balls build in scents to add to the experience. You might prefer instead to light an aromatherapy candle or drop some oils in a warmer in conjunction with using your stress relief.
• Occasionally, you’ll need to clean your stress relief ball. Typically, you can use soap and water, but some manufacturers advise you to use only water. You likely won’t be able to slip it into the dishwasher due to the extreme temperature conditions involved.
• Durability can be an issue in something you use so aggressively. Look for a stress ball made from quality materials. Some even add a coating designed to keep protect the surface over years of use.
• Stress balls are typically made of thermoplastic rubber with the goal of eliminating BPA and phthalates. If you’re allergic to latex, look closely to make sure you’re getting a stress ball that’s latex free.
• Some stress balls add fun designs to the surface. If you’re buying a stress ball for a child, this can be a nice touch.