Aromatherapy Clay Stress Ball DIY

Last Updated on July 14, 2023 by Ellen Christian

Have you ever thought about making a clay stress ball? Did you ever have one of those days where you just want to smash something?  You need to make a stress ball with clay!

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How to Make a Stress Ball with Clay for Aromatherapy

How to Make a Stress Ball with Clay

As tempting as it is to totally lose your mind in those situations, it’s sort of frowned upon. I decided that I would learn how to make a stress ball with clay to release some of that pent-up frustration.

Of course, I added lavender essential oils to the clay so that I would have the extra benefit of soothing aromatherapy. 

Using essential oils to manage stress and tension is one of the best ways to relax. Have you ever tried it?

bottles of essential oils on a white table

What other essential oils can I use?

Lavender is my favorite essential oil but you can also use neroli, yuza, orange, ylang-ylang, lemon, frankincense, chamomile, bergamot, lemongrass, and rose.

These have all been noted to be good for managing stress. Experiment until you find one or two that work the best for you.

You can blend several together if you like. Just don’t blend too many or you may not like the end result.

How to Make a Stress Ball with Clay for Aromatherapy

Are stress balls good for anxiety?

Clay is very simple to make and it may be something that you’ve made for your child in the past. The only difference between this clay and the clay that you make for your child is that this has no artificial food coloring and it has essential oils added to help you relax.

Just working the clay between your hands can help relieve stress by itself. But, it’s always fun to add essential oils as well.

hand holding a red stress ball

Why do stress balls work?

When we’re stressed out, we get anxious and clench our muscles. You’ve probably felt your shoulders tighten up or clenched your jaw or teeth when you’re feeling stressed out.

When you squeeze and release a stress ball, you encourage your body to release energy at the same time. This can help some people manage their stress levels.

You can find lots of different types of stress balls on Amazon.

How to Make a Stress Ball with Clay for Aromatherapy

How long does this clay stress ball last?

I generally keep this aromatherapy clay for a few weeks in the refrigerator and then start over since the scent of the essential oil fades and the surface oils from your hands get into the clay.

It won’t last forever, but it will definitely help for at least a few weeks. Just be sure to keep it in the refrigerator to discourage bacteria growth.

If you make this in a larger batch, leave out the essential oils until right before you’re going to use it. Then mix it in well so you aren’t exposing your skin to full strength essential oils in one large area.

essential oils in a tin

Other aromatherapy crafts

Have you ever used aromatherapy for stress relief? I love my essential oils and I regularly make aromatherapy craft projects to help me relax. 

Check out these 28 essential oil gifts that you can make for yourself or for gifts. Enjoy the natural scents of essential oils.

Journal writing for stress relief and anxiety

Other ways to manage stress

Of course, there are lots of ways that you can manage stress besides learning to make a stress ball with clay. You can try journaling your thoughts and feelings.

Learn more about the benefits of doodling for stress relief. Some people find that hemp CBD oil helps them manage stress. Or, learn to turn off negative thoughts with Elf Emmit.

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How to Make a Stress Ball with Clay for Aromatherapy

How to make stress clay for aromatheraphy

Learn how to make a stress ball with clay for aromatherapy

Prep Time 10 minutes
Active Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Difficulty easy
Estimated Cost 10

Materials

  • 1 cup of all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup of salt or sea salt
  • 2 tbsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tbsp oil of your choice
  • 1 cup of water
  • 8 drops of lavender essential oil

Tools

  • stove

Instructions

  1. Mix the all ingredients in a pot until blended. Stir constantly and heat on medium-low until it forms a thick dough that isn't sticky. When done it will no longer stick to the side of the pot. This can be tough to stir.
  2. Remove the dough from the pot and allow it to cool on waxed paper.
  3. Add the essential oil to the dough and work it in while you are kneading it. You can add more essential oil if you want the scent stronger.
  4. Store it in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
  5. When you feel stressed out squeeze, pound and otherwise take out your frustrations while enjoying the lavender scent and a cup of tea.

Did you make this project?

If you make this, tag me on Instagram so I can see @ellenblogs

16 thoughts on “Aromatherapy Clay Stress Ball DIY”

  1. Very lovely idea, yes homemade stress balls sounds very nice. thanks for sharing with Hearth and Soul blog hop. Pinning it.
    Reply
  2. This is such a great idea, Ellen!  Thank you bunches for linking up and partying with us this week! 
    Reply
  3. I love the idea of using essential oils in this.... we have one of the regular stress clay balls.... I think I will just add some oils and hope it will mix okay w/ what is in it.... Thank you for posting this. :)
    Reply
  4. My favorite thing to do is play with my daughter's homemade playdough when I blog. I love that you added a wonderful scent to your stress ball! Pinning! ~ Ashley
    Reply
  5. How neat - I've heard using something like this can actually help with arthritis, too.  I might have to try it, so I don't lose my sewing hands! :(  Pinned & Tweeted!
    Reply
  6. Nice! I knew there was a reason I enjoyed playing with my kids' clay. I love the idea of adding in the lavender. Thanks for sharing.
    Reply

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