Is your stress level high? Has the weather been gloomy, or have you just had too much to do? The good news is there are a lot of ways you can relax and de-stress. You don’t have to spend money on expensive spa treatments or take days off work. There are things you can do right at home, like using some of these sensory toys.
| Sensory Toy | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Fidget spinners | Helps with anxiety and focus |
| Stress balls | Relieves tension and stress |
| Weighted blankets | Promotes relaxation and better sleep |
| Kinetic sand | Provides calming tactile experience |
| Bubble wrap | Provides satisfying sensory feedback |
| Lavender-scented putty | Aromatherapy and tactile stimulation |
| Sensory bottles | Provides visual and auditory stimulation |
| Tangle toys | Helps with anxiety and focus |
| Squishy toys | Provides tactile stimulation |
| Noise-cancelling headphones | Blocks out distractions |
| Aromatherapy diffuser | Promotes relaxation through scent |
| Light therapy lamp | Helps regulate mood and sleep |
| Essential oils | Provides aromatherapy benefits |
| Yoga mat | Promotes relaxation and mindfulness |
| Coloring books | Promotes relaxation and mindfulness |
Aromatherapy Diffuser
Aromatherapy diffusers are great for adding a refreshing scent to the air, but they can also help you relax and sleep. If you have allergies or seasonal sensitivities, using a diffuser can help you manage your symptoms.
There is no shortage of scents available for diffusers—you can even make your own! You can find a wide variety of essential oils that will add their own unique properties to the air around them:
- peppermint oil will help with nausea, headaches, stress and anxiety
- lavender oil works well as an antidepressant or antiseptic
- eucalyptus oil is often used as an expectorant (to clear out mucus) and decongestant
Aromatherapy Products for Stress Relief
| Product | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Aromatherapy diffuser | Promotes relaxation through scent |
| Essential oils | Provides aromatherapy benefits |
| Scented candles | Promotes relaxation and stress relief |
| Herbal teas | Promotes relaxation and reduces stress |
| Bath bombs | Provides aromatherapy benefits and relaxation |
Ear Ringers
Ear ringers are the best sensory toys to relax and unwind with. They’re a cheap way to get your hands on some comfort and relaxation, but they come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s something for everyone!
- What are ear ringer?
They’re basically little rings that you put in your ears (or someone else does) so that you can feel them moving around as you move. The movement helps stimulate nerve endings, making them good for relaxation.
- How do these things work?
Really simple: just put the ring on either earlobe or somewhere behind it if you have sensitive skin, then grab hold of it with two fingers while gently pulling back until it starts spinning.
When it spins faster than 180 rpm (rotations per minute), it causes enough friction to create heat—so don’t worry if it feels uncomfortably warm at first; this is normal! Once the ring starts spinning really fast, just let go so that gravity takes over – which means no more effort needed from anyone involved except maybe one finger still holding down lightly against some part of their body close enough not too far away from where they’re standing up straight without having quite enough room between themselves yet again today because what happens when someone gets closer than expected because they thought nothing had changed since last time…
Sensory toys are not just for playtime – they can also be an effective tool for managing anxiety and stress in children. Our article on how sensory toys can help children manage anxiety and stress provides useful tips and advice on choosing the right sensory toys for your child’s needs
Neck Massagers
These can be a great way to relax and reduce tension in the neck, especially if you’re feeling stressed or tense. They can also help relieve headaches and improve sleep quality, as well as improve your posture.
Candle Scented Salts
They’re also a great way to relax and unwind. During bath time, pour some of the salts into a small bowl and add warm water.
You can also sprinkle them on your bed before you go to sleep, which makes for a nice aromatherapy session while you drift off and if you have trouble sleeping through all the noise in your house or neighborhood, these scents will help block it out so you can get some shut-eye.
There are many different scents that are known to have certain effects on our bodies and minds some of them appealing (lavender), others not so much (cinnamon) but regardless, each one has its benefits when it comes to de-stressing.
So whether it’s vanilla that relaxes you after a long day at work or sandalwood helps calm down before bedtime, there’s something for everyone here!
Did you know that sensory toys can also help adults relieve stress and anxiety? Check out our page on the power of sensory toys for stress relief in adults to learn more about the benefits of using sensory toys as a stress management tool.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are an excellent way to help you relax and de-stress. You can use them in a variety of ways, like diffusing or applying topically or inhaling them through a roller.
The main benefit of using essential oils is that they’re effective at relieving stress and anxiety because they contain active compounds that have been shown to have calming effects on the nervous system. Some common ways people use essential oils include:
Diffusing: Using a diffuser can be one of the easiest ways to get your dose of aromatherapy as it lets you control how much scent you want in your environment without having to add any extra ingredients into something like bathwater.
Additionally, different scents have varying effects on mood so try out different options until you find one that helps ease anxiety while feeling calm at the same time!
Applying topically (for example, on wrists): This method allows for direct absorption through skin pores which may cause faster results than inhaling but will also take longer for symptoms like headaches or migraines due to sensitivity levels among individuals.”
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most calming and relaxing oils, which is why it’s so popular for helping to relax and unwind. It can be used in a bath or shower, in a diffuser or even added to massage oil.
If you have some lavender essential oil on hand, try adding a few drops to your favorite moisturizing lotion. Apply liberally before bedtime so that the scent envelops your body while you get some shut-eye!
When it comes to de-stressing with sensory toys, the options are endless. We’ve put together a list of 10 sensory toys that will help you unwind and de-stress – from fidget spinners to stress balls, these toys can help you relax and soothe anxiety
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Taking a bath is a great way to relax and de-stress, but if you’re like me, it’s not always possible. If you have dry skin or are stressed out, sandalwood essential oil will be especially helpful. It’s calming and soothing, with a woody and earthy smell that can help you unwind.
Sandalwood essential oil is also great at moisturizing dry skin—it has been used as an ingredient in lotions for centuries!
Massage Roller
If you’re looking to relax and de-stress, a massage roller is a great way to do it. Massaging your muscles helps reduce stress and improves your circulation, which in turn can relieve muscle tension and improve sleep quality.
Perfume Oil
Perfume oil is a concentrated perfume in liquid form. It can be applied to the skin, hair and clothes and lasts longer than perfume spray. Perfume oils can be worn alone or mixed with other fragrances for a custom scent.
You may want to try wearing a warm floral fragrance like vanilla or sandalwood at home when you need to relax. These scents are calming and make you feel more relaxed after just one whiff!
Relaxation Bath Soak Or Shower Gel
It’s a simple concept: add some essential oils to your bath water or shower gel, and you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing experience that will calm you down.
You can either use a pre-made blend or create your own custom scent by adding different combinations of essential oils.
Some great choices include lavender (for relaxation), sandalwood (for men), rosemary (for men), bergamot, geranium, and ylang ylang.
Looking for more information on the science behind sensory toys for stress management? Our page on the science behind sensory toys for stress management explores the research and studies behind how sensory toys can help regulate emotions and reduce stress.
Relaxation Candle Or Diffuser Accessory Kit
Essential oil diffuser accessory kits are your best friend if you’re looking to de-stress. They come equipped with all the tools needed for essential oil diffusing, including a stand and water bottle. The water bottle can be used for mixing essential oils in water, which makes it great for aromatherapy as well as humidifying your home during the winter months.
If you’re more interested in candles than diffusers, our favorite candle accessory kit is made of soy wax by SoyJoy Candles and contains everything above plus a candle holder!
New to the world of sensory toys? Our guide on a beginner’s guide to sensory toys for stress relief can help you get started. Learn about the different types of sensory toys, their benefits, and how to choose the right ones for your needs.
Conclusion
We hope this list has helped you find the best sensory toys for relaxing and destressing. They can be a great way to bring some peace into your day-to-day life, but they’re also a great addition to any wellness routine.
The more you practice de-stressing and relaxation techniques, the better off you’ll be when it comes down to things like stress management or anxiety management.
And that’s why we think everyone needs at least one of these ten items in their house!
DIY Sensory Toys for Stress Relief
| # | Toy | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Playdough | A moldable material that can be used for tactile stimulation and stress relief. |
| 2 | Sensory bottle | A clear plastic bottle filled with glitter, beads, or other objects for a calming effect. Can be made with simple household items. |
| 3 | Stress ball | A homemade stress ball can be made with a balloon and flour or rice, providing a cost-effective option for stress relief. |
| 4 | Tangle toy | A DIY tangle toy can be made with pipe cleaners, providing a fidgeting option for stress relief. |
| 5 | Texture board | A piece of cardboard or foam with various textures glued on, providing tactile stimulation for stress relief. |
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about sensory toys and their benefits, check out these articles:
Forbes: Fidget Toys for Anxiety: Do They Really Work? – This article explores the science behind fidget toys and their effectiveness in reducing anxiety.
Medical News Today: Fidget toys for anxiety: Do they work? – This article discusses the benefits of fidget toys for reducing anxiety and improving focus.
Sensory Store: Why are sensory toys so important? – This article explains the importance of sensory toys for children’s development and provides examples of different types of sensory toys.
FAQs
What are sensory toys?
Sensory toys are toys that are designed to stimulate the senses, such as touch, sight, sound, and smell. They can include toys with different textures, colors, sounds, or scents.
What are the benefits of sensory toys?
Sensory toys can provide a range of benefits, including promoting cognitive development, improving fine motor skills, reducing anxiety and stress, and encouraging social interaction.
What are some examples of sensory toys?
Examples of sensory toys include fidget spinners, stress balls, textured balls, sensory bottles, and weighted blankets. There are also sensory toys designed for specific needs, such as toys for children with autism or ADHD.
Are sensory toys only for children?
No, sensory toys can also be beneficial for adults. They can be used as a tool for stress management or to improve focus and concentration.
How do I choose the right sensory toy?
Choosing the right sensory toy depends on your needs and preferences. Consider the sensory input you are seeking and look for toys that provide that input. It can also be helpful to read reviews and consult with a therapist or specialist if you have specific needs or concerns.
Meet Hellen James, the multi-talented writer and nurturing mother who takes young readers on a thrilling journey through her sensory-infused blog. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a parent.
