Let’s be honest: there are days when you’re tempted to just flop onto the sofa and let the kids watch TV or play video games for hours. You know, to get a break. We totally get it! Children often get their first taste of play dough in preschool, but you may not know all the benefits of this simple activity. These can include increased creativity and imagination, boosting motor skills, and more! It might just look like an easy simple thing, but you never realize the science and hidden benefits of this activity. They are just numerous benefits that no one really talks about. Not only kids, but adults also indulge in playing play dough. you might not even realize how important this activity can be for young children. Playing with play dough helps with creativity, imagination, teaches them about colors, builds their fine motor skills—and that’s just the beginning! The best part is that your kids don’t even need to know all those hidden benefits to feel like they’re having fun! Making play dough from scratch is a fun activity for any age, and once it’s ready, letting your little ones mold it is a great sensory experience that helps calm their senses and nerves. It’s also a great way to release endorphins and happy hormones while playing together. It’s a beautiful form of art.

Not only is it great for sensory play and creativity/imagination, but it can also help with anxiety relief! You can use different colors to make whatever you want, or even use it as a stress ball. It’s something that any age can enjoy—and the best part is that you can make it from scratch!  There are several professions involved and tutoring centers that teach kids how to create massive build-ups from clay. You can mold an entire city or creature—so to speak!

You’ll love how calming it is… and maybe even surprise yourself by how much you like playing with the clay. We’ve all been there. Didn’t you once use it to make a tiny replica of your house for a school project? Have you ever spent hours making and re-making tiny snowmen out of the white stuff? Dealing with anxiety is hard, no matter what age you are. But did you know there’s a simple way to help manage it? Playdough.

It might seem like a kids’ game, but playing with playdough can do wonders for your mental health. It’s not just about the fun of making shapes and creating art–though that certainly helps. The special kind of focus that playdough demands can relax you and calm your nerves. It can release endorphins and happy hormones, helping you feel better in no time. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, grab some playdough. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel when you make it from scratch even. Here is how:

The calming effects of playing with play dough has long been known to help relieve stress and anxiety in adults. It can help calm nerves, release endorphins, and relax muscles as well. This is especially beneficial for children who are nervous about something or having trouble focusing on a task at hand. Not only will playing with play dough improve your child’s mental health, but it can also help them learn fine motor skills like pinching and poking. This is especially important for children with developmental delays or who have trouble holding small objects in their hands without dropping them. As you can see, there are many hidden benefits to playing with play dough! How often do you sit back and think to yourself: That play dough? It’s not just for kids. Play dough is very underrated in the realm of self-care, but we’re here to tell you that it’s a simple, easy way to chill out after a long day or week, especially for those who suffer from anxiety. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated; just sitting down with an assortment of colors, making something—anything—with your hands can help calm and soothe nerves. So next time you see a container of Play dough, don’t hesitate! Buy it, get creative with it, and see if you don’t feel better afterward. We promise, you’ll be surprised at how effective it can be.