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WATCH: DIY stress balls to get you through your final stretch of exams

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The stress of exams can become overwhelming at times. So much so that you find it hard to stay focused. Lasizwe even made a little prayer on behalf of all those writing, because it’s tough outchea.


We wanted to do our bit too to ensure learners pass with flying colours, so we’ve put together an easy DIY we hope will give some relief when it all gets a little too much.

Also see: Download past matric exam papers here 

Beth Rifkin writes for Livestrong about the benefits of squeezing a stress ball when you’re feeling particularly overwhelmed: “The act of repeatedly squeezing the ball releases tension and helps to relieve stress. The benefits of stress balls also include boosting blood circulation and helping with the treatment of carpal-tunnel syndrome – and they're used as a tool for meditation.

“The balls can also be used as a physical therapy tool to help strengthen the muscles of the hand and wrist,” she says, which we’re sure would go a long way when hands tense up for the pencil-holding position.

via GIPHY

Making a stress ball is pretty simple. All you need is to fill a balloon with a malleable substance such as flour or clay, and seal it. We’ve put together a video with 3 different kinds of stress balls, two of which use this simple method and one simply making a homemade putty to squeeze and, even throw against the wall when you’re feeling particularly frustrated and overwhelmed!

Watch the video at the top and scroll down for the tools you’ll need below.

Balloon stress balls

  • Balloons
  • Empty water bottle
  • Funnel
  • Choice of malleable substance (we used flour and water babies)

Homemade putty

  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup lotion
  • Drop of food colouring

How do you relieve stress during exam time? Any tips and tricks you'd like to share?

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