12 January,2011 06:05 AM IST | | Soma Das
At the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, prominent bidders, including Preity Zinta were seen using stress balls during negotiations. Here's why the stress ball could be more than just the 'squeeze of the day'
Millions of cricket-crazy fans huddled in front of their television sets to watch the IPL bidding commence on January 8, last week. Apart from the obscene sums of money that allegedly exchanged hands were brightly coloured stress balls. Squeezers included Shilpa Shetty, Preity Zinta and Siddharth Mallya.
"The IPL auction is unique because celebrities bid millions for top cricketers from around the world. There's excitement along with anxiety about who will get chosen and for how much," says Dr Yusuf Matcheswalla, consultant psychiatrist, Masina Hospital.
Individuals react to stress in different ways, says Matcheswalla. Some chew on their fingernails, others break into cold sweats, and some experience an increase in sensitivity levels. "The simple motion of squeezing a stress ball helps one relax as the mind focuses solely on the motion of squeezing the ball, thereby alleviating anxiety and dissipating the excess energy that makes one edgy," explains Matcheswalla, adding that using stress balls also makes one feel more in control of stressful situations.
While it is unclear where stress balls originated from, references can be found as far back as ancient civilization when they were used to relieve stress, improve coordination, treat rheumatism, improve blood circulation and as a meditation aid. Stress balls have been lately used to treat carpal-tunnel syndrome brought on by excessive typing or prolonged computer usage.
Occupational therapist Dr Meena Rathod agrees that squeezing a stress ball can have a beneficial effect. "It improves blood circulation, relaxes tense muscles and helps transfer (negative) emotions onto the ball. It may even encourage new ideas," she says.
Other stress busters
Baoding Balls, which are also termed as Chinese exercise / meditation balls, were made in China during the Ming dynasty. These iron balls are repeatedly rotated to improve dexterity and strength, and assist in injury recovery.
Desktop Boxing Balls resemble a mini-punching bag. Whenever you are upset, you can alleviate your anger by simply punching the ball.
Stress Buster springs are coiled plastic springs that can be moved from side to side to distract from your worries.
