aespa’s Karina and BLACKPINK’s Rosé Use This Surprisingly Effective Stress-Relief Tool

Small, squeezable stress balls are gaining popularity as a simple yet effective way to relieve tension and enhance focus. Designed to be gripped or squeezed, these palm-sized tools help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.

Their compact size makes them easy to carry, and the repetitive motion of squeezing and releasing the ball has been found to improve concentration and provide emotional relief.

K-Pop Stars Embrace the Stress Ball Trend

On March 6, aespa’s Karina revealed her own stress ball in a video for GQ Korea’s YouTube channel, sharing that she often uses it when feeling stressed.

"I play with this whenever I’m stressed. It’s such a satisfying stress ball," she said.

BLACKPINK’s Rosé also introduced her go-to stress ball in a video with Vogue Korea, showing how she incorporates it into her daily routine.

Pulling out her stress ball, she shared, "I even take this to business meetings. Whenever I feel anxious, it helps redirect my focus."

She went on to say, "I can’t live without it now—it’s perfect for stress relief and easing anxiety."

The specific product Rosé showcased in the video was identified as the "Schylling NeeDoh Gumdrops" stress ball, which is not available for purchase in Korea. For more details, fans can check out the official Schylling website.

The Science Behind Stress Balls

Soft, squeezable objects like stress balls are known to alleviate tension, anxiety, and nervous energy, helping individuals feel emotionally grounded. The act of moving one’s hands activates the prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in decision-making and emotion regulation, while simultaneously reducing cortisol levels—the hormone responsible for stress.

With their scientifically backed benefits and growing popularity among celebrities, it’s no wonder stress balls are becoming an everyday essential for relaxation and focus.