Making these super squishy stress balls can be a great bonding activity with your kids.
If you’re constantly stressed out, I have a treat for you. This DIY super squishy stress ball is super easy to make – and it’s very addicting, too! So far, I have made about a dozen pieces and given them away to family and friends.
I’ve always been a fan of making slime. My kids love them! Playing with them is very relaxing. But I never thought of putting them inside a balloon to make stress balls. I think it’s a brilliant idea. Plus, these super squishy stress balls are very easy to make.
There’s nothing quite like a colorful, squishy stress ball to help you relieve tension and anxiety. And with so many fun designs available, it’s easy to find one (or a few!) that inspires you to make your own DIY.
From simple and soothing to downright whimsical, these stress balls are sure to put a smile on your face and help you de-stress in no time. So take a deep breath, grab your favorite design, and let the squeezing project begin!
You can actually do this project with your kids. It’ll be a great way to bond with them. You can make them using different colors for variety. Try it out today and you can squeeze your worries away.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Materials:
- Elmer’s glue
- Liquid starch
- Food coloring
- Balloon
- Fishnet
Tools:
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Scissors
Contents
Making a Squishy Stress Ball
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to relieve stress, then why not try making your own stress ball? Super squishy stress balls are a great way to help you relax, and they’re also really easy to make! Just follow these simple steps:
1. Mix the ingredients
To make your own super squishy stress ball, you’ll need the mixing bowl for your Elmer’s glue, food coloring, and liquid starch. For this step, you can use any type of glue you prefer. Add the glue to the bowl, then drop in a few drops of food coloring. Add the liquid starch and mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes soft and elastic.
2. Insert the mixture into the balloon
To add the mixture to the balloon, simply insert it using a small flask and a soft or round pen. You’ll want to add more mixture until it becomes about the size of a tennis ball.
Now that you’ve added the mixture to the balloon, it’s time to close it off by tying a knot. This will keep the mixture inside the balloon so you can use it later.
3. Add the fishnet stocking
Once you have your super squishy stress ball, you can now wrap it with a fishnet stocking. Then, close it with a small button or simply tie it up. By doing this, you will be preserving the shape of the ball and adding an extra layer of scratch protection at the same time. Plus, it’ll look really cool!
You can then repeat the process until you have the desired number. Just remember to be patient and take your time with each step for the best results!
And that’s it! Your super squishy stress ball is done! Now you can start squishing to your heart’s content. If you find that your stress ball is getting too squished, you can always add more stuffing to it. But be warned – once you start squishing, it’s hard to stop! 😉
Here’s the full video tutorial:
Colorful super squishy stress ball designs
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.
Therapeutic Uses of Stress Balls
Stress balls are not just a fad; they’re surprisingly beneficial for your health and mind. Let’s dive into why keeping one on your desk or in your bag isn’t just for fun but can actually help you in more ways than you might think.
Boosting Focus in Work and Study
A Secret Weapon for Students and Desk Warriors: Ever find your mind wandering in the middle of a long meeting or during a study session? A stress ball might be the simple solution you’re overlooking. It turns out, the act of squeezing something in your hand can help pull your focus back from the brink of daydreaming. This is a game-changer for anyone who struggles to keep their concentration during endless classes or back-to-back Zoom meetings.
Healing and Strengthening Hands
Your Hands’ Best Friend: If you’ve ever felt the ache of typing for too long or the stiffness of holding a pen through an exam, stress balls could be your hands’ new best friends. For people recovering from injuries, or battling with conditions that make their hands weak, these squishy balls are a gentle yet effective way to get strength back. They’re not just rehab tools but also preventive measures against the desk-job curse of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Calming the Storm of Stress and Anxiety
A Mini Escape: Stress and anxiety can hit out of nowhere, turning a good day into a struggle. Here’s where a stress ball can be your mini escape hatch. The simple action of squeezing can act like a pressure valve for your stress, letting out some of that pent-up tension. It’s like having a silent, squishy ally in your corner, ready to help when anxiety tries to take over.
Getting That Blood Moving
A Circulation Booster: Ever feel your hands going numb after hours of scrolling or typing? A stress ball can get your blood flowing again. It’s not just about keeping your hands busy; it’s about waking them up and shaking off that numb feeling that comes from too little movement. It’s an easy fix to a common problem for anyone stuck at a desk all day.
A Tool for ADHD and Autism
More Than Just a Toy: For those with ADHD or autism, a stress ball is more than just a toy; it’s a lifeline to focus and calm. The tactile sensation of a stress ball can ground them when everything else feels too much. It’s a discreet way to manage energy and emotions in settings where other forms of stimming might not be as accepted.
Leading to Better Sleep
Your Pre-bedtime Ritual: Struggling to fall asleep with a million thoughts racing through your head? Try spending a few minutes with a stress ball before bed. It’s a physical way to work through your stress, leaving you calmer and ready for a good night’s sleep. Think of it as decluttering your mind the way you would tidy up a room, making it more welcoming and peaceful.
Stress balls are more than just a playful distraction. They’re tools for better health, focus, and well-being. So, the next time you pick one up, remember it’s not just about the squeeze; it’s about the release — of tension, of distraction, of all those little worries that pile up through the day. Give it a try; your mind (and hands) might thank you.
Customization Ideas for Your Stress Balls
Creating your own squishy stress ball is not just an enjoyable DIY project; it’s a chance to inject a bit of personal flair into an everyday stress relief tool. Whether you’re crafting for yourself, making a thoughtful gift, or even preparing a fun activity for a party, customizing your squishy stress ball adds that special touch.
Here are some inventive ideas to make each squishy stress ball uniquely yours.
Choose Your Color Palette
A Splash of Color: Why settle for a single color when you can create a rainbow? Use food coloring to dye the squishy stress ball’s filling, creating vibrant hues or soft pastels. Mix different colors to achieve unique shades, or layer colors to create a marble effect. Every squeeze will be a visual delight, making your stress ball not only a tool for relaxation but also a piece of art.
Get Creative with Fillings
Texture Tales: The magic of a squishy stress ball often lies in what’s inside. Apart from the traditional slime or gel, consider using fine sand, small beads, or even rice for a different texture. Each material offers a unique resistance and feel, making every squeeze a new experience. For a truly unique squishy stress ball, mix different materials together. Just ensure the outer material is sturdy enough to contain your chosen filling.
Add a Scent for Sensory Relief
A Whiff of Calm: Infuse your squishy stress ball with essential oils to add a soothing aroma. Lavender for relaxation, peppermint to invigorate, or lemon for a fresh zing — choose a scent that resonates with your mood or needs. Each squeeze will release a gentle fragrance, offering an additional layer of stress relief.
Personalize with Patterns and Designs
Express Yourself: Turn your squishy stress ball into a canvas. Use permanent markers to draw patterns, faces, or inspirational quotes directly on the ball’s surface. For a more detailed approach, consider using fabric paint on a cloth cover. This is a fantastic way to personalize stress balls for events or as gifts, making each one as unique as its recipient.
Make It Wearable
Stress Relief on the Go: Transform your squishy stress ball into a fashionable accessory by encasing it in a stretchy fabric and adding a keychain or a lanyard. This way, you can keep your source of stress relief within arm’s reach, whether you’re at home, at work, or on the move. It’s practical, personal, and always ready for a squeeze.
Glow in the Dark
Light Up Your Relaxation: Incorporate a glow-in-the-dark element for a squishy stress ball that doubles as a night-time companion. Use glow-in-the-dark paint to add accents or mix glow-in-the-dark filler with your squishy material. It’s not just fun for kids; imagine the calming effect of a soft, glowing orb when you need a stress relief break in the dark.
Seasonal Themes
Celebrate the Seasons: Seasonal themes offer endless inspiration for customizing your squishy stress ball. Think pumpkins and ghosts for Halloween, snowflakes and reindeer for winter holidays, or flowers and butterflies for spring. These thematic stress balls can also serve as festive decorations, bringing joy and relaxation to any season.
By customizing your squishy stress ball, you create a personal stress relief tool that reflects your personality and meets your needs. Whether it’s the calming effect of a chosen scent, the joy of a favorite color, or the comfort of a familiar texture, a personalized squishy stress ball can become a cherished companion in your stress management toolkit.
Conclusion
Crafting a squishy stress ball offers a creative outlet and a personalized way to manage stress, blending fun with functionality. Each customized squishy stress ball not only serves as a unique expression of the maker’s personality but also provides a tactile tool for relaxation and focus. Engaging in this DIY project can turn an ordinary day into an opportunity for mindful crafting and stress relief, proving that sometimes, the best remedies are in our own hands.
If you liked this project, you might also like to view another stress reliever DIY Play Foam…
