Stress balls are a great way to help reduce stress and anxiety. Using a stress ball can help you stay focused, relaxed, and productive. The physical act of squeezing a stress ball increases blood flow to the hands, which can help relieve tension. Stress balls also provide a tactile tool for self-soothing and can help distract your mind from difficult or stressful situations. Additionally, they promote hand-eye coordination and can help improve fine motor skills.
A stress ball can help alleviate some of your tension and provide you with many emotional, physiological and psychological benefits.
How to Use a Stress Ball?
Using a stress ball is easy! All you have to do is:
- Squeeze the ball in your left hand for 30 seconds.
- Pulse the stress ball for 30 seconds.
- Repeat with the right hand.
Emotional Benefits
Stimulation of Nerves:
Using a stress ball can stimulate the nerves that are in your hand. These nerves are connected to parts of your brain that are associated with your emotions. The stimulation works like acupressure where stimulation of one area affects other parts of your body.1
Diversion of Attention:
When using a stress ball, you can focus solely on it. This allows you to stop thinking about the source of your stress.
Mood Enhancement:
You can boost your mood! The brain stimulation that is associated with stress ball use can also release endorphins which act as pain relievers and sedatives.1
Tension Release:
Squeezing a stress ball tightens the muscles in your hand and wrist. When you release the ball, your muscles relax and you release tension and stress.1
Physical Benefits
Lower Risk of Stress Injuries:
Regular use of a stress ball can strengthen finger and hand muscles. Some exercises that you can try:
- To improve wrist strength, you can squeeze for a count of three and release. Repeat 20 times.
- To improve finger strength, you can pinch the ball between your thumb and each finger one at a time.
- As a hand strengthening exercise, you can twist the stress ball in both hands. Alternate the direction of twisting to get the full benefit.
Treatment of Hand Conditions:
A stress ball helps with conditions like arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis because it can exercise the fingers and hands. Also, they may prevent the development of these conditions.
Improve Circulation:
Moving your finger and hand muscles enhance the blood flow to the hand and wrist area. This helps remove toxins and other waste products and strengthens function.
Stress balls are inexpensive and have many benefits. If you are using a stress ball to help with a specific condition, discuss with your physician. Your physician may have information about your treatment regimen or whether you should be using a stress ball.