Can calming toys help with anxiety? Yes, they can!
Let’s talk about these toys, shall we?
Anxiety is something many people experience. It’s a natural response to fear or a perceived threat.
Anxiety can come from two sources: our body’s automatic threat-detection system and health issues. While it’s not proven scientifically, some people don’t believe in the effectiveness of calming toys for anxiety. Now, we should get a little better understanding of toys for anxiety.
Related Article: Stress Management and Well-being Strategies
What Are the Toys For Anxiety?
According to Forbs, toys for anxiety, or you might be more familiar with the name ‘fidget toys’, are handheld tools designed and typically advertised to help users focus and decrease stress. As aforementioned, though there is no scientific proof and support their benefits, they are commonly utilised and recommended by researchers.
On the other hand, instead of toys, psychologists often recommend activities and medications to manage anxiety.
The toy itself isn’t specifically designed to deal with anxiety. Calming toys for anxiety are often regular toys meant for kids. However, some companies are creating specific calming toys for adults, such as fidget spinners, putty, and fidget cubes.
Can Fidget Toys Actually Help Us to Overcome Anxious Feelings?
People who experience anxiety often display restlessness, impatience, or nervousness through fidgeting or making small movements. Fidget toys offer an outlet for these movements, which can help soothe a person’s nerves, alleviate stress, and act as a distraction in overwhelming environments. These toys redirect the user’s attention away from distressing thoughts or situations, providing temporary relief.
Dr. Sue Varma, a board-certified psychiatrist in New York City, explains, “It gives people a place to park their mental worries. The rhythmic sensation of any motion is a form of self-soothing—like tapping your feet or shaking your leg.”
In some cases, certain toys can also offer a brief respite for adults. However, with children, specific toys like fidget spinners can sometimes become a distraction.
What are the Top Fidget Toys?
Fidget Cubes
Fidget cubes are box-shaped toys with six sides, each offering various sensory features to help you relax and unwind. These features include a spinning disc, a joystick, a rolling ball, and an on/off button. The small size of a fidget cube makes it easy to hold in one hand while you’re on the phone or doing other tasks. You can click, spin, roll, glide, and flip it to alleviate anxiety. Fidget cubes are widely recognized as effective calming toys for anxiety.
Fidget Spinners
Fidget spinners have gained immense popularity recently, not only among kids but also among adults. They’ve even been banned in some schools due to their widespread use. Many people, both young and old, are drawn to fidget spinners because they are affordable and easy to use. While children use them for fun, adults find them helpful in managing anxiety. Using a fidget spinner is as simple as spinning it in your hands. Similar to fidget cubes, fidget spinners are compact and easy to carry with you wherever you go.
Putty
Another excellent anxiety-relieving toy is putty, sometimes also referred to as playdough. Putty allows users to tear, bounce, and stretch it as they like. It’s made from non-toxic silicone, so it’s safe to use, and it doesn’t dry out quickly. Although originally designed for children, adults can use putty to reduce stress and manage anxiety. It can also enhance mindfulness and focus, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with anxiety disorders.
Stress Balls
Stress balls have gained popularity, following fidget cubes and fidget spinners. These ball-shaped calming toys are easy to squeeze, offering a squishy texture that helps alleviate stress and regulate emotions in adults. Their compact size fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, making them convenient for on-the-go use. Stress balls can serve as distraction tools and provide a means for performing small hand exercises that benefit both your body and mind.
Choosing the Right Calming Toys for Anxiety
While the scientific evidence may not be conclusive, many people have found relief from anxiety through the calming toys mentioned above. These toys are well-known, readily available for adults, and widely appreciated. Having understood the various types and benefits of these anxiety-relief toys, it’s now your choice to select the calming toys that best suit your needs.
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