If you are exploring ways to manage your stress, there are lots of options. You can practice one of the many forms of relaxation or meditation techniques, participate in a moving meditation, such as mindfulness walking or you can chose an object to focus your attention on, such as stress balls. The goal of any form of stress management is to shift the mind away from stressful thoughts, allowing the body and mind to calm down. If other techniques have not worked, or you are in a situation where you cannot enter into meditation, using stress balls may be the answer.
Identification
According to the American Institute of Stress, "Stress is difficult for scientists to define because it is a subjective sensation associated with varied symptoms that differ for each of us. In addition, stress is not always a synonym for distress." Stress can occur with positive events, such as getting married or a job promotion. It can also occur due to an illness or financial concerns. Stress can create negative health concerns when we begin to feel overwhelmed and out of control of our situation. Each person must explore techniques to help her manage her stress. Using a stress ball is just one technique.
Types
Stress balls come in many varieties. Some are just a standard soft or hard ball. Others come in different colors, textures and shapes. They can be basic or whimsical. Some vibrate or change colors and shape as you use them, while some retain their form. Some of the harder versions have chimes inside that make a soothing sound when you roll them in your hands. See Resources for examples of stress balls in the shape of fruit, everyday items, people, animals and body organs.
Benefits
When you feel stressed, you may have a tendency to need to do something with your hands or transfer tension to an area of your body. Squeezing or rolling a stress ball gives your hands something to do, and gives you a focus for your tension. You can choose to use a stress ball rather then losing your temper with someone. As you manipulate the ball, you can improve circulation and release muscular tension. It also gives your mind a chance to focus on something other then the stressful thoughts. If combined with deep breathing and placing all of your attention on the ball, you turn the activity into a relaxation and meditation exercise. According to Stress Focus.com, not enough research has been done to determine if stress balls work or not.
Significance
Chinese medicine believes that stimulating acupressure points can have positive effects on the body. Chinese stress balls or baoding balls are hard and meant to be rotated in the palm of your hand while keeping even and constant contact between them. Rolling the stress balls may stimulate points that can help you improve your health. The American Acupuncture organization states that there are several points on your palms that can help to release pain and tension to almost all areas of the body.
Considerations
The American Institute of Stress states that stress can cause some real physical and emotional health problems. If you are living with high levels of stress and having health issues, it is important to talk to your doctor about finding techniques to help you lower your stress level. Stress balls can be used to help manage minor daily situations, but they can not replace a total plan to help lower your overall stress and prevent disease.
