These Sensory Toys Could Help You Calm Down
People understand and interact with the world around them through the five senses. The senses help people remain present by allowing them to experience what is happening around them through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
Sensory toys, small wearable or manipulable objects that engage the senses, may help some people feel grounded, according to Real Simple. Young adults are turning to these objects to relieve stress and support emotional regulation.
Why Young Adults Are Embracing Sensory Tools
Sensory toys, such as stress balls, fidget spinners, and acupressure rings, are particularly popular among young adults. This may be because these self-regulation aids frequently appear on TikTok and other social media platforms, but there is more to the trend.
Karen Sheridan, a clinical psychologist, tells Real Simple that Gen Z is more open about discussing mental health. “I think Gen Z does not show as much judgment or stigma on mental health problems or just discussing mental health problems as other generations,” Sheridan explains. “They are more open to using things like sensory tools to assist with sensory sensitivities, sensory processing problems, and ADHD symptoms (fidgety behavior, etc.).”
Although sensory toys may be especially beneficial for people with ADHD, autism, and other sensory processing differences, some people without a diagnosis may also benefit from them. “Many successful people, including respected leaders, use these to remain focused,” says licensed clinical professional counselor Matt Glowiak.
How Do Sensory Toys Work?
Mental performance specialist Gary Fahey tells Body + Soul how these toys work. “When someone is stressed, anxious or mentally overloaded, attention often becomes scattered or locked onto ‘threat-based’ thinking,” Fahey shares. “Sensory toys can feel calming because they give the nervous system something simple, predictable and physical to focus on,” he adds. “In simple terms, sensory toys give the body something to do while the mind settles.”
By encouraging repetitive movements, sensory toys may redirect attention toward what is happening in the moment. In this way, they may help some adults manage stress, anxiety, and mental overload.
Additionally, many sensory toys can be turned, moved, or manipulated. Repeating a simple movement may also help some people feel more in control and break a cycle of anxious thinking.
Sensory Toys to Try
Fidget toys use repetitive movements to keep the hands occupied and may help people who feel restless or fidgety, Real Simple shares. Some of these toys, like acupressure rings and “pick and pull” bracelets, come in the form of jewelry and other wearables that can be worn or carried discreetly.
Glowiak says, “By playing with fidget toys, one can minimize outside distractions while focusing on the task at hand.” Stress balls and other “squishy” objects, such as putty, are other popular sensory toy options. They may help relieve muscle tension and redirect energy, especially when one is uptight, stressed, or angry. “Squeezing a ball helps provide anxiety relief by releasing muscle tension,” he explains. “This speaks to the power of the mind-body connection.”
Whether it’s a quick squeeze or a satisfying click, these small toys could help people stay focused, calm, and grounded. They are not just for kids anymore and may support people of all ages in coping with the stresses of modern life.
