Usually, when I think of stress balls, I think of the yellow smiley balls from the 1990s—you know, the cheesy ones you'd find in gift bags or on your parents' desks. What I can't imagine is a plush square pillow in chic earth tones, like the ones from Quiet Mind - but I'm 100% behind this upgrade.
The brand's Mini Squeeze is part weighted pillow, part stress ball, and is said to help relieve inattention, restlessness, poor sleep quality and even anxiety. All you have to do is squeeze it, and just like that you'll release the pent-up tension. You can also place it on yourself, such as on your chest or legs, when you need to relax. Similar to a weighted blanket, the added pressure will help you feel comfortable and grounded.
These days, there are plenty of apps and gadgets to measure your stress levels and plenty of tools to help you relax, but there are real benefits to getting back to basics. A stress ball may be simple, but it might be just what you need to de-stress—no USB required.
This is my true feeling about trying Quiet Mind’s Mini Squeeze.
Mini Squeeze Weighted Stress Ball to Calm the Mind
quick overview
- Price: $64.00
- Best for: Relieving stress and enjoying zen moments
- My rating: 4/5
- What I like : Comfortable and portable
- What I don’t like : Expensive, a bit too big
What you need to know about mini extrusions
Just like weighted blankets, weighted pillows are designed to apply pressure and comfort your body. However, instead of lying under a blanket, you can place a pillow on your lap and hold it while you nap, or squeeze it while watching TV.
Quiet Mind has weighted pillows in various sizes, the smallest of which is called the Mini Squeeze, which acts more like a stress ball. At 1.5 pounds, it's heavy enough to offer the benefits of a heavier weight pillow, but still light enough to carry around all day.
Quiet Mind's pillows are backed by science. According to the brand, they work by initiating a process called Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), which can improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and help you fall asleep faster.
When you hold a weighted pillow or hold it against your chest, stress reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), which helps your body release mood-boosting serotonin, calming dopamine, and sleep-inducing melatonin. Hugging pillows also stimulates oxytocin, often called the "cuddle hormone." Combined, these benefits can help you calm down and get out of a fight-or-flight situation.
The brand recommends squeezing the pillow between your hands to release stress, focus on work, or stay focused. Squeezing a pillow helps release muscle tension, which is also a great tactile experience that can help you cope with anxiety or uneasiness.
It also comes in a range of lovely colors: blueberry, agave green, cashew (tan) and chili (red).
How to use a mini squeezer
While some of Quiet Mind's pillows are large enough for a full-body hug, the Mini Squeeze measures just 6 inches by 6 inches, making it closer in size to a good old-fashioned stress ball. For me, it's the perfect size to hold with both hands.
The pillow is filled with eco-friendly recycled glass beads to reduce weight and polyurethane foam for cushioning. You can feel the beads being compressed when you squeeze it. According to the brand, these beads absorb your restless energy so you can feel less irritable and more focused.
You can hang the pillow over your lap for some DPS, place it on your desk for a mid-day squeeze, or take it with you on a train or plane for some comfort. Hold it, squeeze it, knead it, press it, or lie down and hold it against your chest.
my experience
A weighted pillow that weighs less than two pounds may not seem like it will do much for your health, but as I write this I have a mini squeeze pillow on my lap, and I have to say it's oddly comforting.
I keep it on my desk during the day, squeezing it or placing it on my lap for some of the pressure therapy mentioned above. I'm a big fan of weighted blankets - I'd live under one if I could - but this pillow is a great second choice when I need to be upright and active.
Whenever I feel nervous I squeeze it and it really gets the stress energy out of my body. When my hands are busy typing, I place it on my lap so its weight helps me get the job done.
I also put Mini Squeeze next to my bed at night. It’s so comfortable to have it on my chest while I’m reading or browsing TikTok before bed. It's minimal pressure, but it does look solid.
takeout
As someone who always needs a little more stress relief, I'm happy to have the Mini Squeeze on my desk for mid-day stress relief. I think it's a little too big to be a true stress ball - part of me really wants to squish it into the palm of my hand - but it works as a kind of pillow/stress ball hybrid.
The design is also very good. I got it in chili oil red and it looks cute compared to my other earthy blankets and pillows. If you're looking for something that's truly huggable, I recommend sizing up a size or two and getting a larger weighted pillow.
Research reference:
Ellen, K. (2020). Weighted blanket use: a systematic review. Am J Occupy Ther. doi:10.5014/ajot.2020.037358.
Haynes, A. C. (2022). Calm hugs: Design and validation of tactile aids for anxiety relief. PLoS One. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0259838.
