February 14, 2022

Do Anxiety Rings Really Help Manage Stress?

This self-soothing piece of jewelry may help you cope in tense situations

A person sitting in a studio making jewelry

Put a ring on it? A popular TikTok trend, an anxiety ring is a piece of jewelry designed to help those who feel nervous or experience panic.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Worried about a big work presentation or stressed about a big life change like buying a house or having a baby? Anxiety can affect us at different times in our lives. You may have difficulty concentrating, experience sweating or heart palpitations and have trouble sleeping.

But you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the U.S., affecting about 40 million Americans.

Can an anxiety ring really help you cope? Psychologist Chivonna Childs, PhD, explains how an anxiety ring works and if it’s worth trying out.

What are anxiety rings?

An anxiety ring is literally a ring you can wear on your finger.

“It can have beads on it that you can roll around on the ring. Or it has a band within bands, where the center band twists around if you move it with your fingers or your thumb,” says Dr. Childs. “It helps with self-soothing.”

You can find all different types of anxiety rings online. There’s a variety of metal, designs and personalization. But Dr. Childs suggests finding an option that you like.

“Buy something that speaks to who you are as a human being,” she says. “Look for something that resonates with your spirit.”

First seen on TikTok

Anxiety rings gained popularity on TikTok, the social media app. Content creators are constantly sharing tips, advice and hacks on how to live a healthier life.

Not everything seen on TikTok works, so make sure you do your homework before trying out something you see on social media. If you’re still unsure, you can ask your doctor for advice.

Advertisement

How do anxiety rings work?

Anxiety rings are easy to use. Just place one on a finger, and when you feel anxiety, concentrate on rolling the beads or twisting the band.

“Anything that you do that distracts you from thinking about what makes you anxious can help,” notes Dr. Childs. “It’s a type of grounding technique, where you can redirect your thoughts.”

Do they help manage anxiety?

It’s a good option to have in your mental health toolbox, but you may need to look for other ways to manage your anxiety.

Anxiety can become a problem when it overrides our logic. You may worry about your finances, your job or your family to the point that it affects your mental health as well as your physical health.

“We can have different types of anxieties that can turn into phobias,” Dr. Childs says. “It can turn into generalized anxiety, where we really don’t know where the anxiety is coming from, but it’s in excess of what the situation calls for.”

So while anxiety rings may calm you down in those stressful moments, you may need more help.

“Anxiety rings are not a cure,” says Dr. Childs. “You may want to consider talking to a therapist or your doctor.”

Anxiety rings vs. fidget spinners

Anxiety rings are the cousins to fidget spinners, a toy designed with a ball bearing in the middle that allows users to rotate or spin the object between their fingers.

The goal of both items is to help alleviate anxiety by getting you to focus on them and not whatever idea, task or situation is causing you anxiety.

Advertisement

So is one better than the other? It depends, says Dr. Childs.

“An anxiety ring might be a better choice aesthetically,” she says. “An anxiety ring is going to allow you to be incognito. Nobody is going to know what you’re doing.”

You can be in professional or personal situations and discreetly use your anxiety ring. Whereas fidget spinners are a little bit harder to conceal and may raise questions from others about why you’re using it.

“You might worry what other people think about you,” says Dr. Childs. “Worrying might increase your anxiety instead of resolving it.”

Other ways to manage anxiety

There are plenty of ways to help alleviate anxiety. Here are a few techniques to consider:

  • Mediation. Slowing down and focusing your mind on one object or thought can help clear your mind. Yoga is also a good option.
  • Exercise. Even just a 10-minute walk outside can make a difference. “Exercise works for managing anxiety because it helps you focus your energy,” explains Dr. Childs.
  • Deep breathing. There are plenty of deep-breathing techniques that can help you like box breathing.
  • A support system. Dr. Childs says it’s important to have friends and family that listen to you and can resonate with what you’re going through.
  • Self-care. Take the time to focus on you. “Find something that makes you feel good about you,” advises Dr. Childs.

And don’t forget that there are options that you can discuss with your doctor. Medication and therapy are very helpful when managing anxiety.

“If your anxiety is so severe that you’re unable to function, you may need medication,” says Dr. Childs. “There’s also cognitive behavioral therapy that helps us challenge our thoughts, so that we can get to the core of the anxiety.”

Related Articles

Notes taped to window of possible new year's resolutions with hand in foreground holding marker.
December 1, 2023
How To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Pick specific, measurable goals, but also be open to changing them if need be

person holding a thermometer with stress thought bubbles above head
December 1, 2023
Yes, There Is Such a Thing as Stress Sickness

From nausea, weight gain and eczema, stress can affect your immune system in many ways

bowl of soy-based cubes with hand
November 30, 2023
Can Soy Cause Breast Cancer?

Research consistently shows that soy-based foods do not increase cancer risk

person scratching neck that has eczema
November 29, 2023
How Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Can Improve Your Atopic Dermatitis

Changing your wardrobe or environment won’t eliminate eczema, but it can help reduce flares

person stressing, with clock and books
November 29, 2023
6 Ways To Feel Less Anxious in the Mornings

Breathwork, sleep mediatation and avoiding screens can help fight back morning anxiety

covid toe
November 28, 2023
Are COVID Toes and Rashes Common Symptoms of the Coronavirus?

Chilblain-like skin lesions and rashes probably aren’t COVID related

magnesium pills out of container spelling out MG
November 28, 2023
Magnesium for Anxiety: Does It Help?

This supplement may help with regulating cortisol levels, which may help with stress

woman in her forties, using an inhaler
November 28, 2023
Why Sex Hormones Can Help (or Hurt) Your Asthma

Developmental changes like puberty and menopause can impact symptom severity

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad