Relieve Stress, Play With Toys
Experiencing mental and physical stress can take its toll on the body, causing sudden heart palpitations and shortness of breath, followed (hopefully) by a period of relaxation as the stressors wear off. Moments of tension and relaxation are beneficial – the fight-or-flight response can literally save your life in certain situations. But there is no chronic stress , and if left unchecked, it can lead to serious problems such as depression, high blood pressure, and heart disease .
While we certainly recommend treatment options such as therapy and meditation , there are a few simpler tools you can turn to in times of stress – toys. According to The Atlantic, a study by New York University Polytechnic found that fiddling with small toys can actually help you relieve stress, increase productivity, and even improve memory. Here are some tips to help you start breathing deeply again.
Balls of stress
Stress Relief Balls are a classic workplace stress reliever and there is evidence that they can actually improve your health. Stress creates tension in the body that must be physically released. As stress expert Dr. David Posen explained to the Huffington Post , “The benefit of squeezing [the stress ball] is that it releases some energy and also encourages relaxation.” Squeezing the ball to relieve stress can also relieve arthritis and strengthen the muscles in the wrist and hands.
Sculptural toys
Plasticine and putty
Plasticine relieves stress in the same way as a stress relief ball – the tension and muscle relaxation that occurs when shaping the dough can ease the physical aspects of stress and increase your concentration. Knowing the benefits of Play-Doh as a stress reliever, companies began making putties specifically for this purpose — the therapeutic Pinch Me dough infuses the putty with essential oils to incorporate the sense of smell into your toy stress reliever therapy.
Magnetic balls
A series of small magnetic balls that, when attached together, can be formed into various shapes and structures, can serve as an unlikely form of stress relief due to the attention required to interact with a toy. The shaping action distracts you from the stressor and focuses it on tactile activity. (Don’t leave them near your kids and pets, though – they’re dangerous if swallowed , and you’re trying to reduce the stress in your life.)
Puzzle toys
Like sculpting toys, stress relievers engage the mind, letting you release stressful thoughts and focus on the task at hand.
Mini Rubik’s Cubes
Rubik’s Cubes were first sold as toys in 1980, but they also have great stress relievers. When you move the little cubes to different positions, trying to create solid colors on all sides, your mind is busy and your fingers are busy. The keychain-sized cube lets you relieve stress wherever you are.
Endless cubes
Another cube – shaped stress reliever toy is an endless cube made up of interlocking pieces that together form a cube. The idea is to move the pieces around to create different shapes and structures. It has no purpose – just the pleasure of creating forms and focusing the abstract mind.
Fidget violinist
Fidget spinners
In 2017 , fidget spinners became a popular fashion , gaining recognition for their ability to help children with a focus on ADHD. The three-pronged toy is weighted and rotated between the fingers. Unfortunately, they became more stressful for teachers and parents and became a distraction for children, which led to a ban in many schools. However, they can be helpful for adults looking to relieve stress at work.
Chimney sweeps
Tube cleaners are another versatile stress reliever toy that combines the benefits of sculpting with a fidget toy.
Rings for acupressure
The acupressure rings work on pressure points on the hands, relieving stress, increasing concentration and improving circulation, but they are also fun to play with.
Chew toys
Biting your nails, biting pens and pencil erasers are common effects of anxiety and stress, and can be difficult to contain. Fortunately, there are toys that can lessen your addiction, or at least protect your cuticles and teeth from damage.
Rubber necklace
If you’ve ever sucked on your necklace or put a chain-shaped pendant in your mouth, a chewed necklace can save you from a chipped tooth or harmful metal getting inside. The necklace is made of chewing gum to make it easier to fit in the mouth.
Chewing eraser on top
These rubber pencil and pen tips come in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to chew unconsciously and avoid tearing the pens or getting stuck in your mouth with the eraser.