Homemade Stress Ball

Stress is a natural human response to the outside world. When we become overstressed, it can tax our bodies and mind. Stress balls are squishy balls you can hold in your hand to help relieve tension. Creating a homemade stress ball is inexpensive and easy. Stress balls cannot only relieve stress but can help those in need of physical therapy for the muscles of the hand.

Use of Stress Balls

• If you are feeling stressed, a multitude of physical, emotional and mental effects can develop. Symptoms of unmanaged stress include sleeping problems, overeating or lack of appetite, stomach pains, headaches, lower immunity to illness and depression. Squeezing the malleable ball helps relieve tension which can result in lowered stress levels.

  Stress balls are useful for children, particularly those with special needs, who are learning to cope with the stresses of life. Grasping the stress ball can be an outlet for frustration and may fulfill a sensory need for these children.

  For those recovering from hand surgery, manipulating a stress ball in the affected hand will strengthen muscles. Stress balls can be incorporated into useful physical therapy.

Creating a Homemade Stress Ball

• Making a stress ball for yourself, a friend or as a physical therapist is simple. All you need is an uninflated balloon, a small funnel and one-half cup of sand. Place the funnel in the opening of the balloon, and pour the sand in. Tie the balloon up, and you now have a stress ball. You can even use a Sharpie to decorate it.