Around for centuries, worry stones are known for bringing anxiety relief and self-soothing during times of increased stress. Carved from crystals or polished gemstones and chosen for their energetic healing properties, the concept behind the worry stone is to rub it between your forefinger and thumb when feeling nervous or overwhelmed.
So how does it work? The act of rubbing a worry stone works on acupressure points connected to the meridians. This pressure sends calming messages to your brain and allows happy hormones to be released into your body, which can bring you back to a relaxed and balanced state of being. They can also be rubbed while chanting mantras or during meditation to still and soothe a busy mind.
Worry stones have been traced back to Ancient Greece, Ireland, North America, and Tibet. They were commonly used in folk practices as a physical touchpoint for letting go of worries. In Ancient Greece, the earliest worry stones would have been shaped by the ocean. Today, worry stones can be shaped by nature or by human intervention. Generally, all worry stones share one main characteristic - a flat oval-shaped stone that can fit in the palm of your hand with a thumb-shaped indent.
Not only are there psychological benefits to having a ready-made anxiety tool with you at all times, worry stones can also provide a pleasant and soothing sensation when touched, which can distract a busy or spiraling mind. Here are some more benefits of having crystal worry stones:
Anxiety relief - The sensory and psychological association of the worry stone can help alleviate anxiety and stress. They provide a physical touchstone for shifting energy.
Grounding energy - Having a physical object that you can see, and touch is a great way of coming back to the present moment.
Endorphin release - Rubbing the stone can trigger an acupressure point response which sends signals to the brain and allows for the release of endorphins.
Worry distraction - The act of having something to do with your hands has been found to distract the body and the mind. This can be truly useful when dealing with constant worry, as it can give your mind and nervous system a much-needed break.
Avoidance of bad habits - Worry stones can also provide an instant distraction when it comes to bad habits. Whether it's something you are trying to quit or indulging in negative thought patterns, by turning your attention to the worry stone, you can break the habit cycle.