About Stress Balls
A stress ball is a small, rubber, gel-filled ball that fits in the palm of the hand. Stress balls come in a wide assortment of shapes and colors; some can even be customized, such as being painted with the owner's name. Other stress balls may not be true "balls" but have another shape, such as a heart or a puppy. It is not uncommon for stress balls to be handed out during business meetings, especially in high-intensity corporate environments. While they may not appear to be effective at first glance, many people use stress balls as potent stress relievers.
Use a Stress Ball
To use a stress ball, you first take the stress ball and put it in the palm of your hand. You wrap your fingers around it and squeeze. You'll notice while you are squeezing that the ball's foamy texture will give, and start molding to the shape of your fingers---a process that often feels pleasurable. You squeeze for a few seconds, and then release your fingers from around the ball. With this physical release comes the release of emotional stress and physical tension.
Make the Most out of Stress Balls
Many people use stress balls for progressive muscle relaxation. Meaning, you squeeze your hand around the stress ball and hold for several seconds, then repeat that process several times, squeezing harder with each repetition. These repetitions induce progressive muscle relaxation because each time you squeeze harder around the ball, the more you relax afterward. Many people do this process while they are at work, especially in the middle of the day when they feel they need a break. Other people use a stress ball right after they come home, to relieve themselves of work-related stress. As it stands, there is no right or wrong way to use a stress ball.
Tags: stress ball, people stress, around ball, Many people, muscle relaxation, people stress balls, progressive muscle