Best Squishy Stress Balls That Help You Relieve Stress

There are a host of things that act as stressors in life. These may include financial issues, relationship problems, losing a job, family feuds, etc. 

Such stressors hold the capacity to impact our physical and mental health and interfere with our routine functioning. 

Some amount of stress is necessary as it helps us to undertake critical tasks that need our attention. However, stress becomes an issue when it becomes chronic. 

Therefore, it becomes important to manage stress so that you are able to lead a healthy life. 

Many people may underestimate these fidget toys and consider them too simplistic a solution for stress relief, but stress balls can prove to be really helpful in reducing stress and anxiety. 

What are Stress Balls?

 Stress balls are soft, spongy, balls that act as tools for relieving stress. These squishy balls are squeezed between the fingers and released repeatedly which helps in reducing stress and anxiety. 

When it comes to stress balls, these are made of different materials, come in different firmness levels, sizes, and shapes, which help you in various ways. 

For instance, apart from relieving stress, stress balls help in: 

• improving blood circulation

• reducing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms

• pain relief in patients with arthritis

• muscle strengthening, etc 

Important Things to Know About Stress Balls 

 There are a host of things you must know about stress balls so that you end up buying the ones that solve your purpose. 

1) Size of a Stress Ball

When it comes to the size of stress ball size, there is much of a difference. The standard size of a stress ball is around  2.5 inches in diameter. This is is the one ideally used for stress and anxiety relief. 

However, there are promotional stress balls for children that are around 2 inches in diameter. Likewise, there are stress balls that are used for therapeutic purposes like physical or occupational therapy. These are larger in size with around 4 inches in diameter. 

Read More: best bubble bath for stress relief

2) Stress Ball Durability 

The squeeze and release action and the pressure exerted on the stress balls may reduce them to wear and tear. Therefore, consider stress balls that last long. For instance, the stress balls filled with gel must have a firm outer layer so that it is able to carry the material for long. 

3) Firmness or Resistance Levels

Yes, stress balls come in different resistance or firmness levels. Therefore, you must choose the one based on the purpose for which you are buying a stress ball. For instance, for developing your hand grip, you may need a stress ball with a higher resistance level. Likewise, you would need a softer, spongy stress ball if you simply need it for relieving stress and anxiety. 

What Makes a Quality Stress Ball? 

1) Overall Design and Structure

 Typically, stress balls are round in shape. However, there is a spectrum of designs to choose from. These include egg-shaped stress balls, stress balls in the shape of food, animals, sports items, etc. Therefore, there’s a lot of variety for you to choose from. 

2) The Fragrance Used

Some stress balls come with the fragrance of essential oils like lavender which help in anxiety relief. There are certain stress balls that come with a scent, making for a good aromatherapy alternative. 

3) Stress Ball Texture

 Stress balls come in a variety of textures. These include crochet, foam, polyurethane, clay to fabric covering. You can go for the one that best suits you and makes you feel good. 

4) Price of the Stress Ball

Typically, stress balls are not expensive and thus can be bought for various purposes. However, certain specific features like texture, design, colors, and scents used may impact the price of the stress ball. 

Some of the Best Stress Balls You Can Buy

1. Serenilite Hand Therapy Stress Ball

What We liked: High quality, ergonomic design, therapy stress balls for relaxation, anxiety, and stress relief. 

Specifications: 2.4 inches in diameter, dual-colored fabric with a tear-resistant gel inside.

2. MindPanda Empowering Gel Stress Balls

What We liked: a bundle of three with empowering questions imprinted on the stress ball, amazing scents, high-quality, and premium packaging.  

Specifications: outer layer made of lycra that contains tear-resistant TPR gel. The stress balls come with a hand exercise guide. 

3. The Friendly Swede Stress Balls

What We liked: set of three stress balls each with different resistance levels and sizes to meet your various needs.  

Specifications: made of thermoplastic rubber, are BPA-free, and egg-shaped for increased comfort. 

4. Stringy Ball

What We liked: the flexible rod and fastener make it easy to carry anywhere. Plus, you get a pictorial guide depicting various hand exercises.  

Specifications: made of thermoplastic rubber, are BPA -free, set of three with three different resistance levels. 

5. Lavender Luvies Scented Stress Ball

What We liked: aromatherapy stress balls with lavender fragrance for anxiety and stress relief.

Specifications: 2 inches in diameter and made of cotton/lycra that contains dried lavender inside.