Stress balls are a great tool for managing stress, but they can be expensive to buy. Fortunately, it’s easy and affordable to make your own with a few simple materials. Whether you’re looking to make a stress ball for yourself or as a homemade gift, here’s how to do it.
What You’ll Need
To make a stress ball, you’ll need the following materials:
- 1 balloon
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons water
Preparation
Before you begin, prepare the ingredients by combining the flour, cornstarch, and baking soda in a bowl and stirring them together. Next, add the water and mix everything until the mixture resembles a runny paste.
Filling the Balloon
Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to fill the balloon. Start by snipping the end of the balloon and stretching it over the top of the bowl. Then, use a spoon to scoop the paste and fill the balloon, making sure to leave enough space at the top to tie the balloon closed.
Tying the Balloon
When the balloon is full, carefully remove it from the bowl and tie the end with string or a rubber band. You can also use a balloon pump for this step. Once it’s securely tied, you’re ready to use your stress ball.
Using the Stress Ball
When using your homemade stress ball, take care not to squeeze it too hard, as this could cause it to burst. Instead, gently squeeze the ball in one hand and use the other hand to massage your temples, neck, or other tense areas of your body. You can also use your stress ball while sitting or lying down and focus on breathing deeply while squeezing and releasing the ball.
Cleaning the Stress Ball
When it’s time to clean your stress ball, start by deflating it by carefully snipping the end of the balloon. Once it’s deflated, simply rinse the ball with warm water and let it air dry. Be sure to clean your stress ball regularly to make sure it’s free of dirt and dust.
Making Different Stress Balls
If you want to make different types of stress balls, you can experiment with different types of fillings. For example, you can try using rice or sand instead of the flour, cornstarch, and baking soda mixture. You can also use different colors of balloons to create unique stress balls.
Conclusion
Making your own stress ball at home is a fun and easy project that won’t break the bank. All you need is a balloon, some flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and a little water. Have fun experimenting with different fillings and colors to create your own unique stress balls!