Some people say that the alternating action of squeezing the ball and then releasing tension can be a stress buster. Based on my experience, if you squeeze a stress ball while remaining in a situation or mindset that stresses you out, it won't have any stress-relieving impact. However, if you focus on that stress ball and be mindful about squeezing it and then releasing the tension, I certainly believe that it can be a stress reliever. That’s because by focusing on the ball (instead of everything that is going on around you), you’re being mindful; it's that mindfulness that makes the stress ball effective. The same is likely true for other stress relief toys, like fidget cubes or other desk toys. Heck, even spending 10 to 15 minutes with a coloring book can provide stress and anxiety relief because you’re being present while using it.