Demystifying The Hidden Benefits of Fidget/Sensory Toys

This is a post-pandemic trend that is not just designed for neuro-divergents' and sensitive people with high sensory needs.

Adults are also hopping onto the sensory and fidget toy bandwagon, to be infatuated with toys that were once designed for children. Stress balls, sensory toys, fidget toys, and squishmallows' all fall into this category, from Care Bears to fidget spinners. Once again, and just to reiterate; regardless of which side of the spectrum you fall, or you are even not on the spectrum, and you are able to take care of your mental health via natural means from one extreme to another; these toys are great. They may not always be needed when you are well; yet with all of the internal and external stressors going on in the world, of which can be highly stimulating and overwhelming to all of us; there are times where part of being human in a cost of living crisis, and a beyond interesting US Election (to name) is on the horizon for better or for worse means that we could all use a little helping hand, and a rather cheeky, creative, and affordable one at that, if I should say so myself. Plus they are colourful, and can also be a timely reminder of the colours of the rainbow. We are connected as a whole, and what impacts one person will surely impact another. Therefore what heavily impacts one country, will also impact another country. That is the way that life and the world works as a whole. Not to scare anyone off, but just to raise awareness in a healthy and constructive way.

Using a stress ball provides immediate stress relief, and it paves the way for a pleasant pattern interrupt from a negative thought. In saying this, it is part of being human to think negatively every now and then.

The aim is to be a good listener to yourself, and to transform and transmute that negativity, so that you can pass through any unpleasant feelings and emotions. A stress ball, sensory or fidget toy is that bridge that facilitates some minor healing to one's psyche with presence and awareness.

Therefore using one of these toys helps to alleviate stress and anxiety; and I say anxiety, as they bring people back to the present moment; and for some, it helps in controlling one's breath, speaking from experience.

Depression happens when you have nothing great to look forward to in life, and thereby having one of these little busters on your desk, or in another position of your choosing helps you have a little something to look forward to, if that adrenalin pumping or travelling experience may feel a little out of reach right now, financially or otherwise.

On that, using stress balls, sensory and fidget toys has a calming effect on the psyche; and I am also sharing this on behalf of friends, family, and social media influencers and the like who have shared the benefits of such now "adult" toys freely to the world. From there, concentration levels are enhanced, and squishing one of these toys is great for the motor skills of an adult hand in addition. There is no need to grasp onto anything too tightly. Such an activity is naturally stimulating, and it really helps people to take their minds off mental health and other challenges in life. You can say problems, yet I personally like to reframe problems as challenges. Viewing problems as merely challenges feels less overwhelming as a result.

Once again from experience, these are a sample of stress balls and sensory toys that yours truly has used, in order to raise awareness of these benefits, and the benefits can be seen within a week. With greater concentration, calm, and focus; there is less reliance on such toys - in addition to those soft and cuddly squishmallows:

1. Strawberry Stress Ball. And yes, if you clicked on the latter link, they are cheap as chips, and they are soft and quite squishy.

2. Nee Doh Gummy Bear. Still affordable for some, although more on the pricier side for others. These are soft, and are available in a variety of colours. I chose a purple one, and the downside of that, is a bit of the liquid leaked out after prolonged use. Nothing is forever, and no regrets.

Note: The author of this article does not receive any commissions for sharing such products. They are examples of what the author has used, in order to help you get started on this path, if any of this resonates.

Just like walking, these toys also boost creativity and concentration in both adults and children alike. It all seems simple on the surface, yet using stress balls, sensory, and fidget toys are truly a gift. A simple gift, to either take it or leave it, in ensuring that each and every persons psyche and mental health truly matters.