Ball of Stress

Meet one of my friends:

This is my most favorite stress ball – and I’ve had many different kinds. I’ve got a close second, which has a really soft cover with firm insides. But this particular stress ball not only contains the most pleasing, beaded squishiness, it also has an awesome-feeling, knobby, rubber exterior.

Do you realize just how many different kinds of stress balls there are? They come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. They’re made with coverings of smooth fabric or rubber. Some are foam. Some are gel. Some, like this one, contain a combination of beads and gel. Different densities are also available. Some balls are on the firmer side, while others are really soft. Some of them bounce, while others can be stretched to the max before crawling back to the original shape. But all of them have one thing in common: their purpose.

I used to like stress balls just because they were sort of fun. I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t like some aspect of gripping a stress ball at least a little bit. Nowadays, though, I appreciate these balls in a much different way.

I’ve found my stress balls to actually be quite therapeutic. Obviously, their main purpose is to help release tension, but I have to admit I’m skeptical of just about any tool that claims to do anything. Stress balls though – especially this one – have actually come in quite handy (no pun intended).

When I sit on my couch at night, I squish this little stress reliever. I’ve got one at work for those particularly hard days. When my mind is going too fast or in too many directions, letting my hands fidget with something helps. This spiny delight also makes a pleasant, gravely sound as it’s squished, adding audio to the experience. All in all…I like my stress ball.

I have many methods of relieving stress: walking, working out, listening to music, sleeping, writing, venting to listening ears (including God’s)…the list goes on. Finding a way to relieve stress is vital. Stress kills – literally. Living in stress will break down a body just like a disease. Stress can be linked to high blood pressure, overall fatigue, an increase in stomach acid, and a weakened immune system – just to name a few effects. And believe it or not, stress can be controlled. Getting stressed out is actually a choice – one that most people make, including myself. But it IS possible to control such a thing. For me, attitude is only part of it. The other part is finding some physical activity to help. And sometimes, it’s as simple as, well, squeezing a ball of rubber.

Unfortunately, I think this particular stress ball is growing weak. I’ve used it a lot, and there are several spots that are wearing thin. One of these days, it’ll probably burst while I’m squeezing it, sending beads everywhere, and gelled ooze down my arm. Which is why I'll have to get another one. Because…who wants to live without a stress ball?


I love hearing from you! How do YOU relieve stress? Leave a comment!