As a leadership and work-life balance coach, I am always open to new ways to banish stress and anxiety and sharing different techniques with others. In today’s blog post, I will be discussing worry stones and the method of rubbing away stress and anxiety.
The practice of rubbing worry stones has been around for centuries. When I was a kid, instead of worry stones, there were pet rocks and colored stones. I have always enjoyed looking at rocks by stopping, picking up the stones and admiring them. Their beautiful shapes, sizes, and colors.
What are some other common names for worry stones?
Fidget stones, feeling stones, soothing stones, sensory stones and thumb stones.
According to Wikipedia the origins of worry stones:
As a folk practice implement, worry stones have many origins. Variations on the concept originate in ancient Greece, Tibet, Ireland, and multiple Native American tribes. The concept of a worry stone began by the simple action of picking a smooth stone and fiddling with the stone.[3] Worry stones made by sea water were generally used by Ancient Greeks.[4] Native American tribes would continuously give them to younger generations, creating a sense of connection from previous family members.[3] They also believed these worry stones were considered a sacred item and they were extra special if they were made out of quartz.[4]
What is a Worry Stone?
A worry stone is a smooth flat rock about the size of a thumb. When rubbing the stone between thumb and fingers, it has a calming effect. The stones are small enough to carry around in your pocket or purse. Stones come in all different colors, sizes, shapes and minerals. They can be river stones, crystals, sea glass, tumbled gems or a smooth flat rock from your backyard. You can purchase stones at craft and arts stores, amazon, mineral-rock shops and rock and gems shows. Some worry stones have an indent inside the size of a thumb. Other stones may have inspirational quotes, one-word sayings, affirmations, religious symbols, etc. Also, painting flat rocks is another way to relax and a way to make the stone more personal to fit your personality or style.
I recently watched a YouTube video called DIY Worry Stones on how to make worry stones from colored baked clay.
How Do You Use A Worry Stone?
Place the flat stone in your hand between your thumb and index finger and rub the stone back and forth.
Does Rubbing on a Worry Stone Help Reduce Anxiety and Stress?
A worry stone works as a form of reflexology or nerve pressure when rubbed. While rubbing the stone it touches the reflex areas in your thumb and fingers creating a sensation of relaxation and calm within the body. Reflexology is commonly known for applying gentle pressing on certain parts of the body, usually on the feet.
My stone:
It is a smooth clear thumb size stone. I purchased it at a mineral-rock store. I like the feel of it in my hand. I do rub it from time to time. When using the worry stone, I will switch up my hands while rubbing it. Using just your dominant hand is fine.
When are good times to rub a worry stone?
🦋 While sitting at a doctor’s office.
🦋 Before taking a test.
🦋 Before giving a presentation.
🦋 When feeling anxious or upset.
🦋 While a customer is yelling at you on the phone.
🦋 Before delivering bad news.
🦋 While contemplating on a big decision or large purchase.
🦋 Before going to sleep.
Does it work?
For me, it is a pleasant distraction because I am focusing on rubbing the stone and it does help me gain a new perspective.
For others, I think it depends on the individual and being open to the process. When taking those few moments of rubbing the stone, it can settle the mind.
Takeaway:
Carrying a worry stone around with you, especially when feelings of anxiety, anger, or frustration occur. By rubbing your thumb and fingers across the stone it will hit reflex areas and the movement relaxes your mind, body, and spirit.
Please share your answers to the following questions in the comments below:
🦋 Have you rubbed a worry stone?
🦋 What was your experience like?
🦋 When do you use your worry stone?
🦋 What color is it?
🦋 How did you chose it?
🦋 Share a photo of your stone.
🦋 If not, After reading this blog post would you try one?
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#worry #lifecoaching #worrystone #banishworry