Another consideration is size and strength. Stress balls come in various sizes and different levels of soft or hardness. Being able to test out a few balls can help you choose the right one for you. The unique egg shape of this stress toy is designed specifically for strength training exercises and the relief of hand and joint pain. There are various color options to choose from as well as options ranging from 20 to 40 pounds of resistance. They come in multiple sizes to get just the right fit for kids and adults. While Hunt says that stress balls can be great tools to use in the moment to help ease the physical discomfort of anxiety, they won’t solve the cause of that stress.

However, many people find these products help them focus, calm, or distract themselves, as part of a useful tool in their overall stress management. Do stress balls work for anxiety? We also considered different styles and materials of stress balls to provide a breadth of useful options. Pricing guide 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.The benefits of using a stress ball also includes boosting blood circulation and helping with hand co-ordination and exercises. Many also use a stress ball as a tool for meditation or as a fidget toy. That being said, there is no real clinical evidence that stress balls have a direct effect on stress and anxiety. This is a durable and anxiety-relieving option made from polyurethane foam and available in four different color options. They are easy to clean with a wet towel, or you can even wash them in the washing machine. 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. Clinical studies haven’t found evidence to support the idea that stress balls reduce stress and anxiety.

The gentle ombre of rainbow colors and larger size make this stress toy a good option for extra frustrating days when you need physical and emotional stress relief. Whether you need to vent, let out aggression, or keep both hands busy at once (the 5-inch diameter is big enough to keep both hands occupied), this is a great option. A user can hold the stress ball in their hand and squeeze the ball for up to 5 seconds and then release,” Reinhardt says. “This process can be repeated several times until the user experiences a reduction in tension.”

The balls are made from thermoplastic rubber designed to strengthen muscles while easing joint and carpal tunnel pain. We love that these balls come in different sizes for various uses in different populations. 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. Stress balls are small and portable so they can be used in a variety of settings and in many ways. You can squeeze a stress ball in your hand or press and roll it on a desk or table. You can toss it from hand to hand or against a wall. Keep one at your desk to use during stressful workdays or keep one at home for yourself or your kids to use anytime there's a need to reduce tension or fidgetiness. To compile our list of the best stress balls, we consulted with Lisa McCrohan, MA, a Somatic Experiencing Psychotherapist, Integrative Coach, and author of Your Light Is Rising: Kindling the Courage of Your Soul. Based on her expert recommendations, we conducted extensive research on top products, focusing on high-quality stress balls that provide different sensory features, such as aromatherapy and color. Designed to look like the traditional gaming piece, it's actually a six-sided stress reliever. The Giant Dice Stress Ball boasts an interior of moldable, mashable clay and a glossy exterior of tactile rubber, providing a soothing sensory experience that's sure to soothe after those long nights at the casino.