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Why not make your own homemade stress balls? This is an activity that I have done with a variety of students. Be prepared for some mess but the activity itself is a relatively simple one. The kids have a lot of fun and have something tactile to squeeze after the fact when feeling overwhelmed or anxious. There are a variety of types that you can make but this is my favourite.
You will need:
Standard Balloons
Standard Balloons
Make your project fun and colourful. Choose a variety of colours but make sure the balloons are of this size and shape. Too small or large and it will not work. I also recommend not using non-standard shaped balloons if you can help it. It sometimes helps to inflate your balloons and then let all the air out before you start. It makes them a little easier to work with.
Single-Use Bottles
Single-Use Bottles
The thinner, squishable variety is the best in my experience. For example, PC, Nestle, or Big 8 water bottles. They work best. You will need to make sure they are empty and dry inside before you get started. As they get a little mangled you will want to have multiple if you are making multiple stress balls.
Filling
Filling
The filling is super important. I recommend experimenting to see what gives you the best sensation. After all, this is your stress ball. I have made these with students using salt, rice, sugar, flour, corn starch, and icing sugar. All have different levels of pliability and last different lengths of time. Perhaps I will try to use sand or coconut next time. The texture of your filling will affect how easily you can squeeze your ball.
Steps:
Put one balloon carefully inside another balloon. Think of it like double bagging a grocery bag. It gives the stress ball some extra structure so that your ball lasts longer. You will require adult or older child assistance for this task.
Fill your empty bottles carefully with the desired filling. Keep in mind that it is easier to fill the bottles with grains like salt and sugar. Powders can be more difficult and a little messier. So make sure you are doing this activity at dining table or kitchen counter where you can easily clean up any mess when you are finished.
Put the opening of your balloons over the top of the bottle. Make sure that both the inner and outer balloon are covering the bottle opening.
Start squeezing your bottle to get the contents into your balloon. This is going to take some effort. Feel free to squeeze and twist that bottle. Remember how I said to have multiple bottles? This is the reason why. Depending upon what your filling is, you may have to squeeze and twist your bottle a lot! You will need a new bottle then if you intend to make more than one. (Which I suggest you do. Try different fillings to see what textures you like best.
When you have enough filling in your balloon, carefully remove the bottle top from the balloon. Tie the end of the balloon like you would if you had just blown it up with air.
Then, squeeze!
Insert second balloon into first and inflate slightly to make sure they are lined up.
Fill your bottle with whichever filling you have chosen for your stress ball.
Attach your balloons to the bottle opening and start squeezing and twisting until you get enough in the balloon. Careful when you release the balloon from the bottle again.
Tie off the finished product. These are some that I made with a student last year. Each one has a different material inside.
I find having something to squeeze and hold in my hands helps me when I am feeling anxious. Sometimes it only has to be something as simple as a paperclip but I still need something. It keeps your hands moving and your mind partially focused on something other than whatever is causing the anxiety or overwhelming feelings. A stress ball is one of my favourite tools for this but not everyone has a bought stress ball laying around. So, make one. It is fun and useful. Feel free to share your finished products with me if you decide to make your own.
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