A stress ball is a small toy that is squeezed in the hand and worked by the fingers to either help manage stress or relieve muscle tension by exercising the muscles of the hand. Manipulating a stress ball can help to release any tension an individual might be harboring.
Stress
Stress can drastically alter the way we live our daily lives. Feeling pressure in small doses can make an individual more motivated, but all-consuming stress can throw a nervous system out of balance and lead to long-term health complications. Stress results from depression, relationship difficulties, major life changes, chronic pain, obesity and lack of sleep, among other factors. Healthguide.org cites high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack and stroke and a sped-up aging process as possible consequences of too much stress.
Common Treatments
Anti-anxiety medications can help to stabilize feelings of moodiness, and decrease stress and constant worry. Healthguide.org suggests taking walks, getting massages, writing in a stress journal, spending time with friends and reading a book as ways to decrease the tension in your life. Many of these activities can take up time, though, and stress balls are being used more, as they don't consume much of a person's time and other tasks can be done while manipulating a stress ball.
Stress Balls
Stress balls have been used for centuries. They are thought to balance energy and stimulate pressure points, which can benefit an individual's well-being. Stress balls are effective because you decrease muscular tension while squeezing a stress ball and then releasing your grip. Stress balls help with stress because an individual is focusing on something other than her stress while manipulating the ball--blood circulation will improve, and the nerves in an individual's hand are stimulated.
Types of Stress Balls
Stress balls can be made of rubber, metal or wood. Some contain gel, foam or fine powder. Stress balls can come in a variety of shapes besides the typical sphere shape. Some may come in amusing shapes or bright colors. Stress balls can be priced as low as a dollar, but the best-quality ones typically range from 10 to 20 dollars.
Conclusions
Stress balls are most popular in the workplace, but can be beneficial for everyday use as well. Squeezing a stress ball may reduce tension in an individual, and if not, may at least feel good. Stress balls may not be an effective way to treat stress for everyone, but they are harmless.
