Thumb-sized smooth stones with thumb indents, you wouldn't believe how one simple thing can hold so much calming energy! The worry stone is an ancient item, not some new fad. These flat stones are known for anxiety relief and self-soothing during times of stress.

Pocket stones, palm stones, these are sometimes called worry stones. Thumb stones or worry stones, as they are more commonly known, are often carved out of crystals or polished gemstones, these rocks usually originate from precious stones selected for their healing properties.

The idea behind the worry stone is to rub it between your forefinger and thumb or fidget with the stone when feeling overwhelmed or nervous.

The act of rubbing the stone works with acupressure which stimulates certain pressure points connected to meridians. This then sends calming messages to the brain and allows happy hormones to be released, which can bring us back into balance. They can also be rubbed while chanting mantras or during meditation sessions in order to still and soothe the mind.

History

Worry-stone's history isn't clear-cut but they have been traced back to Ancient Greece, Ireland, North America and Tibet. It's likely that they were used in similar ways we use them today, as a physical touch-point for letting go of our worries and anxieties in folk practices. In Ancient Greece they would have been shaped by the sea, today this could be done by nature or human hands.

Shape & Materials

Usually worry-stones share one main characteristic: being a flat stone that can fit into your palm. Typically these will be oval-shaped and fit comfortably between your forefinger and thumb, maybe 2-3 cm long and a centimeter or so thick.

They're made from tumbled crystal or a polished smooth stone so you can run your fingers across it without feeling any roughness. Some types of worry-stones also come with a thumb-shaped indent.

Not just a sensory stone, these are often made from healing crystals or gemstones that bring dedicated physical, emotional and spiritual healing benefits to the table.

What are the benefits?

There are many amazing benefits to choosing a pocket stone or palm stone. Having a ready-made anxiety tool tucked away in your pocket does provide a psychological benefit but the properties of worry-stones can be as simple as providing a nice feeling when touched, which can distract a busy or spiraling mind. Here are some more benefits of having a calming crystal shaped into a worry-stone.

Anxiety relief: As well as being something for people who live with anxiety to hold onto during an attack, there's also something about them that works on our senses and helps calm us down if we're just generally feeling stressed out too, this is because they create focus points which act as reminders for shifting energy.

Release of endorphins: the pressure point response obtained by turning the stone in your hand sends signals to the brain which lets out endorphins.

Distraction from worry: Doing something with your hands like using fidget toys or spinners is known to keep body and mind busy. This can be very helpful for people who have persistent worries because it gives their nervous system and mind a break.

Breaking bad habits: Another advantage of having this type of stones is that they provide an immediate distraction from bad habits. For example, whenever you want to smoke a cigarette but are trying hard not to or when you find yourself engaging in negative thinking patterns again, just shift focus onto the worry stone which will make you interrupt such behavior automatically.

How do I use my worry stone? Find a stone that appeals most to you or resonates well with what you need at present moment, it may even be some crystals associated with particular healing properties.

Hold it tight within your palm while closing eyes so as not only feel its weight but also notice other sensations related like temperature changes etc. Take minimum one minute but feel free taking more time if required until ready moving forward.

Letting fingers move along surfaces comfortably held between palms, thumbs can rub ridges imprints (if any) made on one face by another during manufacturing process e.g., left side thumb rubbed across right top edge then down towards bottom one back again. This increases touch awareness thereby grounding oneself further into reality through senses thus making us more present here now.

With eyes still closed, gently turn over the stone within hands while shifting them around in whichever manner feels best fitting for current state, this could involve slower movements where entire palm area acts upon object surface or faster ones with just fingertips gliding over edges etc.

If there is an indent specially designed for thumb placement purposes, try running your thumb along this area during rotation process too. Remember not to limit oneself only onto sense of touch, listen out also regarding any sound produced by stone being manipulated, such as when it hits against another hard surface or rolls inside a hollow space within our closed fist etc., because these will bring further grounding effect through hearing which adds up more richness.

At some point, open eyes and look directly at the stone you've been handling all this while, take note of light falling upon its different parts as well as colors visible thereon plus lines present etc.

Letting visual perception join other senses involved helps create even stronger connection between oneself and reality thus making grounding much deeper.

Eventually return one's attention back towards feeling the worry stone again.

When you're feeling stressed

If ever you find yourself in a tight spot, or even if the world is closing in on you, it's time to pull out your palm or pocket stone and give it a rub. Feel its reassuring weight. Let the smooth texture calm you down. Get those endorphins going.

When you're having an anxiety attack

Anti-anxiety crystal worry stones can be really helpful to keep close by, especially if you are prone to panic attacks or have an anxiety disorder. Not only does the physicality and grounding properties of the worry stone bring you back into your body, it serves as a comfort. It may even act as a preventative for panic attacks, where having something comforting nearby stops the mind from spiraling.

Meditation

Worry stones and palm stones work perfectly with meditation practices. You can use them like a mala, repeating a mantra or chant with every rub of the stone, which can help still the mind, infuse intention into your practice and reduce any distractions. You can also choose worry stones made from certain crystals or chakra stones that correspond with your body's natural energy.

Before bed

For some people, softness and sleep are hard things to surrender to, this is where worry stones can help. By turning over your worry stone in your hand as part of your bedtime routine or even when lying down, you invite rest into the mind.

Challenging conversations

If staying grounded during difficult conversations is tricky for you, try working with a worry stone. Having the stone close by could make all the difference, it heightens mindfulness so that instead of reacting offhand when someone says something offensive etc., we respond after taking a second or two to rub our little stone friend and connect with its energy, fostering more mindful dialogue overall.



Carry it everywhere

Just having a worry stone or pocket stone on you is one of the easiest ways to stay connected and set intentions. With our Moaura bracelet, we can also be passive in our meditative practice and spirituality, it doesn't always have to be all yang energy and “doing.” With Moaura bracelet, we can make a yin act of passive spirituality throughout the day. Let this all-purpose anxiety Moaura bracelet work its magic.