DIY Stress Ball Craft

Materials Needed:
• 4–6 sturdy balloons per student
• All-purpose flour or rice (½ cup per ball)
• Small funnel (or rolled paper cone)
• Washable markers
• Optional: food coloring (a drop or two)
• Measuring cup

Time: 20 minutes

Prep (10 minutes before class):
- Pre-stretch balloons by inflating and deflating once each.
- Scoop flour or rice into small cups for easy filling.
- Arrange markers and optional food coloring on tables.

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Stretch the balloon opening over the funnel mouth. If using a paper cone, tape the seam tightly.
2. Carefully spoon or pour flour/rice through the funnel into the balloon until it’s about the size of a tennis ball (½ cup).
3. Gently remove the funnel and tie a secure knot at the balloon’s neck. For extra strength, wrap a small piece of tape around the knot.
4. (Optional) Slide a second balloon (cut off the neck) over the filled one to create a double layer. This reduces bursting.
5. Use markers to decorate: draw patterns, faces, or colors that feel calming.
6. If desired, add one drop of food coloring before filling for a tinted ball (mix coloring with flour in the cup first).

Safety Tips:
• Supervise funnel use—small parts can be a choking hazard.
• Keep work areas free of spilled flour; clean up promptly.
• Remind students not to overfill balloons to prevent bursts.

Discussion Questions:
1. How did squeezing your stress ball feel? Describe any change in tension or mood.
2. When might you use this tool in your daily life? List two scenarios.
3. Which coping strategy category does this stress ball fit (physical, emotional, social, or creative)? Why?

“Take your new stress ball, give it a squeeze whenever you need a quick calm-down tool, and remember the breathing exercise we practiced!”

Daily Self-Care Checklist

Date: ____________________

Physical Self-Care (choose 1–2 activities you want to do today):

☐ ________________________


☐ ________________________

Emotional Self-Care (choose 1–2 activities you want to do today):

☐ ________________________


☐ ________________________

Social Self-Care (choose 1–2 activities you want to do today):

☐ ________________________


☐ ________________________

Creative Self-Care (choose 1–2 activities you want to do today):

☐ ________________________


☐ ________________________

Reflection (End of Day)

1. How did these activities make me feel today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Which activity was the most helpful and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What will I try tomorrow or change for my self-care plan?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Stress-Tracker Entry

Date: ____________________

1. Describe the main stressor or event that affected you today:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How intense did this stressor feel on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high)?

Intensity: _____

1. What coping strategy did you try? (Physical, emotional, social, or creative):
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How effective was your strategy? Explain why it did or did not help:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What could you do differently next time to manage this stressor more effectively?:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. After reflecting, how do you feel now? Write any final thoughts or insights: