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What a week so far, and Friday is but a blip on the horizon.

I don’t think we need to revisit why the last few days (or weeks, or months, or years) have been so tough to witness for millions of South Africans.

Deep breath, exhale, and let’s take a look at VICE’s list of the best anti-stress toys out there.

The fidget spinner, which some reports suggested could alleviate anxiety for those living with ADHD or autism spectrum disorders, is now old news.

Let’s talk squishy toys, and the Swirl Nee-Doh:

The perfect thing for stress and fidgets, this swirling glob ball in assorted colors has a soft texture you can knead, pull, throw and squish ‘til you’re satisfied!

Strong and durable, its responsive material always returns to its original shape.

That’s a strong squeeze. That person has seen some things.

Next up, a Shailene Fun Classic Fidget Sensory Toy Liquid Oil Bubbler.

The description on Amazon says it’s “an excellent visual stimulant which has a mesmerising effect… [and] the slow and rhythmic drops of this liquid hourglass timer have a very soothing effect and actually help kids and adults with sensory issues.”

90s kids are definitely thinking lava lamp:

It also states that the liquid bubble timer toy can help fight anxiety, stress, and boredom.

COVID-19 compliant, then.

How about a marble spinner?

Throughout the day, whenever you start to feel mental strain, or you can’t quite put your finger on that perfect word or that great idea, reach out and give this glass ball a spin in its saucer.

Watch the mesmerizing ribbons of color as they twist and dance. It gives your fingers something to play with, and your brain a refreshing little pause.

I can’t say I’m wowed by the above, but if it gets the job done for you then do as you must.

Fidget spinners out, and fidget pens in.

Fidgeting may be frowned upon in the classroom, but fidgeting with your hands leads to increased blood circulation, which has a string of benefits:

The ballpoint is controlled by a 14-part locking mechanism that may look complicated, but it’s not. Here’s how it works: Unlock the lever by pushing through the spring-loaded detent, then swing the handle around like a piston to release the ballpoint. Once you’ve jotted down your magnum opus, simply press a lever to reset the mechanism.

This satisfyingly complex instrument is sure to scratch the itch of every fidgeter, tinkerer, and engineer who loves a way to keep their hands busy.

I use an actual pen so rarely these days, I’m not sure I would get value on that.

Let’s finish with something truly ridiculous. I suppose once stress balls became a thing it was only a matter of time until Stressticles entered the fray:

Available in Minky Brown, Pink Gold, Tim’s Balls Brown or Shameless Blue…

Each piece is handmade of single-density super squish silicone and metallic pigment, and each will have a slightly different pattern in the metallic color…

Can be squished and squeezed as is or washed to remove the dusting for a more vibrant color.

Everybody knows you should always wash before use.

One sizeable study did find that people who squeezed a stress ball during surgery could lower their anxiety by 18% and pain by 22%, so don’t knock it before you’ve tried it.

Not all of these products actually ship to South Africa, but you can remove the stress from that ordeal by using Postbox Courier, which provides you with an international postal address.

Within three to five working days, your goods are at your door.

Nobody knows exactly what will happen in South Africa during that time, but it’s a very safe bet to assume that we’ll still be in need of any stress relief we can find.

Everybody is taking serious strain at present, so where possible, try and be kind to one another.

[source:vice]