How to Treat Anxiety by Using Stress Ball

Anxiety and stress are rampant in our society, and feelings of stress can hit at just about any moment, leaving you tense and in need of relief. One convenient and effective solution to treat this anxiety comes in the form of a pliable, handheld ball. Stress balls have been used for centuries, particularly in Chinese culture, to help relieve anxiety and improve hand coordination. These days, people still turn to stress balls for reliable anxiety relief.

Things You'll Need

• Stress ball

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Instructions

• 1

  Find a stress ball that fits your preferences and personality, and one that you'll be comfortable using often. Stress balls generally measure about 7 to 10 cm in diameter, but come in a variety of shapes or themes, and may contain different fillings, from foam to gel.

• 2

  Take note of the times and incidents that trigger anxiety in your life, whether it be at the office or in the middle of slow traffic. These moments tend to be the ideal times to use a stress ball, so you should make sure to have one ready (or have a few on hand in different locations, if needed) in these settings.

• 3

  Reach for a stress ball just before or during a stressful situation, grasp it in the palm of your hand and squeeze the ball over and over using your fingers. Continue this squeezing motion, digging your fingers into the ball until you feel a noticeable sense of relief. This repeated squeezing motion should relieve muscle tension in your hands while re-focusing your mind away from emotional stress.

• 4

  Make a habit of using the stress ball after long periods using your hands, such as after a day at work at the computer. This can relieve accumulated muscle tension, thereby helping to alleviate anxiety.

• 5

  Play around with the stress ball over time until you have determined the best stress-relieving speed and timing for you. Oftentimes, squeezing the ball too rapidly can actually increase muscle tension, while going too slowly often does not yield adequate stress relief.