A stress ball is a malleable toy and usually not more than 7cm in diameter. You squeeze it in your hand and alter shape with your fingers.

Most are made  of polyurethane foam rubber and made by infecting the chemical ingredients into the desired mold. In the mold, the chemical reaction that results in the rubber, releases a gas, carbon dioxide and this gas produces the foam.

Some stress squeez balls contain gels of varying density within  rubber or cloth. These are frequently used by physiotherapists.

Stress squeez ball should be round but today they come in various shapes, size and colours. You can have a stress squeez ball in the form of a rugby ball, soccer ball, beach ball, tennis balls etc. There are some in the shape of pets, animals, fruit and veg, wildlife. The list is huge. It is extensively used by companies to promote their products with logo and adverts on the surface.

Some stress balls are in the form of scented dough contained in tubs. When you feel the need to use them, you open the tub, get the dough out and squeeze.  They are infused with essential oils and apparently has a dual function. Squeezing the dough helps reduce stress and by releasing essential oils during squeezing, the aromatherapy effect kicks in.

Does squeeze ball reduce stress?

There are no trials to help us evaluate any beneficial effects. There are, however, several theories. Here are some plausible ones.

By focusing the mind on the squeez stress ball, you are diverting your thoughts away from the stressful problem. It takes stress away from the forefront of your mind. This allows your body to calm down and hopefully take a different approach.

Squeezing a stress ball may be stimulating acupuncture points in hands. Some acupuncture points when stimulated release endorphins. This helps to relieve pain and possibly stress. Sensory impulses are sent to the brain and area such as the limbic system can be stimulated.

There is no clear evidence that a squeeze ball relieves stress but lets be honest. it is a toy. It is harmless. There is no side effects as you get from drugs and is it not heaps better than hurling objects across the room?