When it comes to stress relief, adults often turn to the same habits they used as children. These include breathing exercises, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises.
But what if there was a more exciting way to relieve stress? One that didn’t feel like you were “meditating” but instead felt like having fun? Well, there is!
And we’re going to show you how using sensory toys can help you feel relaxed and happy when stress gets the better of you.
| Key Points |
|---|
| Sensory toys can be an effective tool for stress relief in adults |
| Sensory play can promote relaxation, calm the nervous system, and provide a distraction from stressors |
| Different types of sensory toys can provide different sensory experiences, such as tactile, visual, auditory, and olfactory |
| Choosing the right sensory toy depends on individual needs and preferences |
| Sensory toys can benefit people of all ages and abilities, including those with special needs or sensory sensitivities |
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a mental state of awareness, and it’s something you can learn to practice. Mindfulness involves being aware and present in the moment. It helps you focus on the present, instead of fixating on future worries or past regrets.
When you practice mindfulness, you are able to see your thoughts and emotions as they are not as they should be or shouldn’t be and this allows you to respond calmly rather than react impulsively when faced with stressful situations.
Sensory toys are a great tool for managing anxiety and stress. Our article on how sensory toys can help children manage anxiety and stress provides insights into the benefits of sensory toys for emotional regulation and practical tips on how to use them effectively.
Relaxation
Relaxation is a state of mind, body, spirit and soul. This means that when you’re relaxed you are ready to take on the world.
You’re more likely to be productive and accomplish your goals. You’ll feel good about yourself and others will enjoy being around you.
However, if you are not relaxed it’s hard to focus on anything for too long without getting distracted by other thoughts or emotions that make it difficult for you to do anything important.
For example:
- If I don’t finish my work today then I’m going to get fired tomorrow!
- My boss is always picking on me so why should I even bother working hard? He doesn’t care anyway!
- Why is my co-worker always asking me stupid questions when she knows I’m busy? She should know better than that!
Are you new to using sensory toys for stress relief? Our article on a beginner’s guide to sensory toys for stress relief is a great place to start. It provides an overview of what sensory toys are, how they work, and how to choose the right ones for your needs
Stress Relief
Stress relief is an important part of maintaining your health and well-being. When you’re stressed, it can affect your mood, mental health and physical health. The good news is that there are many things you can do to reduce stress in your life.
There are a variety of different stress relief techniques:
Yoga is one of the most common ways to relieve stress because it involves moving your body while focusing on breathing exercises. This helps release tension in the body while also quieting the mind so it’s easier to relax and rest. If you aren’t familiar with yoga poses or want some guidance learning them, check out our beginner’s guide here!
Meditation involves focusing solely on your breath for a set period of time in order to clear out all other thoughts from your mind and relax both physically and mentally (see below). You can learn how to meditate from several sources online or through books/videos—for example here on our blog!
Massage therapy involves taking advantage of another person’s touch by receiving either soft stroking touches gently applied over specific areas where muscles are tense or firm pressure (deep tissue) delivered directly into those same areas; either way will help alleviate muscle tension stored up over time due to working hard at home/work etcetera.”
Top 5 Sensory Toys for Stress Relief
| Sensory Toy | Description |
|---|---|
| Stress Balls | Small balls that can be squeezed to relieve tension |
| Fidget Spinners | Small, handheld devices that can be spun to help with focus and relaxation |
| Weighted Blankets | Heavy blankets that can provide a comforting, calming sensation |
| Sensory Bottles | Clear bottles filled with different materials, such as glitter or beads, that can provide visual stimulation |
| Aromatherapy Diffusers | Devices that release scents to promote relaxation and |
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Try using sensory toys to help you relax and unwind. Our article on 15 sensory toys that will help you relax and de-stress provides a variety of options that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.
Relaxation Exercise
Relaxation exercises are a great way to relieve stress and can be done anywhere, with or without other people and music.
Here’s how: Get comfortable and take slow deep breaths for about 15 minutes. This will help bring the body into a relaxed state so you can begin breathing slowly through your nose for five minutes.
Focus on each breath as it enters your lungs, filling them completely before exhaling through your mouth (not nose). It’s important that you focus on nothing else but your breath while doing this exercise so pick a quiet place where there’s no distractions—a bedroom or even bathroom!
Meditation
Meditation is a great way to relax, reduce stress, and become more productive. If you’re not sure where to start with meditation, here are some tips for how to meditate:
Start small. It’s best to start out with just three minutes of daily practice. This can feel like a big commitment at first so it may help if you set an alarm on your phone (or other device) as reinforcement for your efforts throughout the day.
- Find a quiet spot that is free from distractions—this might be your bedroom or living room floor or even outside on the grass if it’s nice weather!
- Pick a focus word or phrase that you like and hold onto those words in your mind as you sit quietly in silence (or listen to nature sounds). You can choose something personal like “love” or “gratitude,” or something more universal such as “I am.”
Looking for sensory toys that can help you unwind and de-stress? Our article on 10 sensory toys that will help you unwind and de-stress offers affordable and creative options that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Exercise
Exercise is another great way to release stress. You don’t have to be a gym rat or marathon runner to reap the benefits of exercise. Even a short daily walk can make all the difference in managing your stress levels, both physically and mentally.
Exercising with other people can also be a great way to relieve stress. Having someone else there who understands what you’re going through makes it easier for you to push yourself harder and achieve more than if you were doing it alone.
When people exercise together, they tend to sleep better and feel better about themselves afterwards.
This helps them avoid the pitfalls of working too much overtime and losing touch with their friends or family members during stressful times like these (which unfortunately happens quite often).
Breathing Exercise
Breathing exercises are a powerful way to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. They can help you sleep better, focus on the present moment, and have more energy overall.
Breathe in deeply through your nose for five seconds. Hold it for five seconds. Then exhale through your mouth for five seconds. Repeat this cycle three times to start building up a rhythm with your breaths!
Match the length of each breath to one syllable from each word: “in,” “hold,” “out.” This is called Ujjayi breathing (oo-jee-yee), which translates literally from Sanskrit as “victorious breath.”
It’s great for calming down because it has an almost meditative quality stemming from its rhythmic nature—and if you’re having trouble falling asleep at night, try this during meditation instead of counting sheep!
Interested in the science behind sensory toys for stress management? Our article on the science behind sensory toys for stress management explores the research behind sensory play and its ability to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase focus.
Conclusion
We’ve covered a lot of ground here. A lot of great information packed into one blog post! Now you know what kinds of toys can help adults stay calm and relaxed, as well as how to use them for stress relief in adults.
sensory Toys for Specific Needs
| Sensory Need | Recommended Toys |
|---|---|
| Autism | Chewelry, weighted lap pads, textured balls |
| ADHD | Fidget toys, stress balls, desk accessories |
| Anxiety | Squishy toys, aromatherapy diffusers, tactile stimulation toys |
| Dementia/Alzheimer’s | Sensory blankets, memory games, sensory activity boards |
| Special Needs | Therapy swings, sensory integration kits, vibrating pillows |
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on sensory toys and anxiety:
Forbes’ article on fidget toys for anxiety provides an overview of fidget toys, their benefits, and different types of fidget toys that can help with anxiety.
Medical News Today’s article on fidget toys for anxiety explores the science behind fidgeting and how it can help reduce anxiety. The article also provides tips on how to use fidget toys effectively.
Sensory Store’s article on why sensory toys are so important discusses the benefits of sensory play for different age groups, including children with special needs, and how sensory toys can promote learning and development.
FAQs
What are sensory toys?
Sensory toys are toys that stimulate the senses and promote sensory play. They are designed to engage children and adults in different types of sensory experiences, including tactile, visual, auditory, and olfactory.
How do sensory toys help with stress relief?
Sensory toys can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation, calming the nervous system, and providing a distraction from stressors. They can also help improve mood, increase focus, and promote a sense of well-being.
What are some examples of sensory toys?
Some examples of sensory toys include stress balls, fidget spinners, textured balls, squishy toys, sensory bottles, weighted blankets, and scented candles.
Who can benefit from sensory toys?
Sensory toys can benefit people of all ages and abilities, including children with special needs, adults with anxiety or stress, and elderly individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
How can I choose the right sensory toy for me?
Choosing the right sensory toy depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the type of sensory experience you are looking for, your sensory sensitivities, and your budget. It may also be helpful to try different types of sensory toys to see which ones work best for you.
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.