Anti-stress toys: characteristics, examples and benefits

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Anti-stress toys are becoming more and more fashionable. But why are they so “addictive”? What are its benefits really? What do these toys allow us to do? We tell you!

Imagine an object that you can squeeze, manipulate, squeeze, rotate, experiment with… And that is also pleasant to the touch. Don’t you feel like trying it? We are talking about anti-stress toys, which are increasingly popular.

Toys in general have a recreational function, but not only; They also allow you to educate and stimulate different skills. Plus, toys aren’t just for kids… Adults and seniors can enjoy them too!

What exactly are stress toys? What are its features and benefits? Next, we talk about all this and leave you some examples so that you can start investigating which one you would like to try for reduce daily stress.

“Playing is the main activity of childhood and responds to children’s need to look, touch, explore, experiment, invent, imagine, learn, express, communicate, create, dream…”.

Anti-stress toys: what are they?

Anti-stress toys, also called fidgets, are increasingly gaining more popularity. This type of toys allow you to relieve everyday stress and they can be a helpful resource for disorders such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or ASD (autism spectrum disorders).

The term fidget derives from English. It is a verb that means ‘to become agitated, restless or nervous’. And these toys help regulate this restlessness and stress. How? Through sensory stimulation or the senses.

Characteristics and examples of anti-stress toys

One of the main characteristics of these toys (in addition to one of their benefits) is that promote stimulation of the senses, which allows us to obtain states of relaxation and calm. Some examples of anti-stress toys that achieve this effect are, for example: the classic spiner (which turns) or the so-called Magic Push Pop Bubble Spinerformed by bubbles that are pressed with the fingertips.

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We also find the infinite cubes that allow restless fingers to be busy, in addition to operating levers and buttons and modifying their structure.

What other features do these toys have? These are toys with which different actions can be developed that They help us release tensionto relax and, sometimes, even to improve concentration.

Thus, this type of toys can be pressed, stretched, folded, rolled or squeezed, and some even bite. We found a great variety of them in terms of shape, size, colors, prices…

Benefits

There are several benefits associated with anti-stress toys. For example, most of them encourage manipulation, which enhances our well-being associated with the sense of touch. Through this sense, we release tensions that can favor our physical and mental state (through stress reduction).

On the other hand, anti-stress toys allow us exercise flexibility and work the muscles of the hands. In this way, they promote a stimulation effect of touch but also of other senses. In addition, they can be beneficial for working on motor skills, especially in the little ones.

Considerations for parents

anti-stress toys They can be beneficial in children, adults and older peopledepending on the type and the needs or interests of the person.

In the case of children, we should always look for a toy adapted to their age, with which they cannot hurt themselves, choke, etc. If you are thinking of buying any of these toys for your children, we leave you some considerations (or interesting information) to keep in mind:

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They are ideal for the childhood stage: why? Because They are striking, they allow exploration and visual and psychomotor training. They are an alternative for children and adolescents: they help relieve tension and nervousness, promote concentration, etc.

Also for adults and seniors

On the other hand, anti-stress toys are also suitable for adults and older people. In these groups they can also be beneficial, providing a feeling of security and relief after a hard day, for example.

Furthermore, we insist, these types of toys allow us to exercise various sensory and even cognitive abilities, such as memory. And what’s more, they entertain and can be fun.

Anti-stress toys: practical and varied

Anti-stress toys can be easily purchased today, either through the Internet, in toy stores, in shopping centers… As characteristics to highlight, They are easy to transport, simple to handle, comfortable and discreet.

In addition, they are very pleasant to the touch. We find different types, with a variety of textures that stimulate the sense, touch and vision (many of them are in bright, pleasant colors, etc.).

They are toys that we can use anywhere and discreetly, that they allow us to have our hands distracted, release tension and, in addition, help us concentrate and develop motor skills. Ideal for children, but also for adults.