Pop-up and banner ads on any health or spirituality site will claim to have the answer to natural stress relief. All too often, these so-called “natural” cures are medications, expensive therapies or outright scams. It’s difficult to sift out the truth from the trash.

Between the continued growth of internet networking and the rise in use of smart phones, it’s more critical than ever to have a method of keeping those fingers in top shape.

One natural stress relief method that is NOT a scam is the use of stress balls to relax and strengthen fingers and wrists. Wrist and finger exercises using stress balls can ease the tension of that mid-afternoon stiffness that comes from being hunched over a computer typing every day.

A study in the Journal of Hand Therapy in 2007 concluded that a regimen including the use of stress balls helped patients with osteoarthritis increase strength and dexterity and relieve pain. Not only does the physical stress fade with this natural stress relief method, but also the mental stress of being limited is reduced, too!

Stress balls can be used in a number of different ways to increase finger and grip strengths and relieve tension in the palm and wrist.

Following injuries or diagnosis of hand or wrist conditions, occupational and physical therapists can recommend specific exercises based on symptoms and give tips for proper form. For those who just experience a little soreness or want to give their fingers a stretch, there are plenty of natural stress relief exercises that can help.

Exercises include rolling a stress ball between your palms or on a desktop, pinching it with each finger paired with the thumb, and simple squeezes.

Unique stress ball shapes like personalized logos or funny figures can also give you a natural MENTAL stress relief. Whether you have a super serious job or just need an extra smile, checking out a stress ball of a favorite animal or silly face can brighten an otherwise dull afternoon. You can’t bring your pet to the office, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a companion on your desk.

If you want to get natural stress relief without being scammed, a stress ball is a low-cost, high-return method that works for all ages.