Launch of Serenity Stones and some background information

Today marks the launch of my new offering to my store, Serenity Stones! (16 Nov 2025)

You might wonder what are Serenity Stones and what is the purpose of them? 

Serenity Stones, also known as Worry Stones, are designed to be held between your thumb and fingers. People gently run their thumb back and forth across the stone's surface as a calming technique. 

The idea is that the repetitive motion can help reduce stress, anxiety, or nervous energy by providing a tactile focus, similar to how fidget tools work. They are often carried in a pocket or bag and used discretely during stressful moment.

I have one on my desk for when I am working from home and have to go on a video call, on an important meeting with my senior management in my 9-5 job. Previously, my face would go red on any such meetings, something I could not control. Now with one of the stones that I made, I am able self-regulate, by redirecting my thoughts from 'why is my face going red again' to the sensory focus. I am finding that this gives me more confidence and prevents the red face flareups. 

As a scientist, of course I had to find out why this works and this is what I found.

The calming effect of Serenity Stones is linked to a few psychological and physiological mechanisms: 

1. Tactile Stimulation and Sensory Focus

When you rub a worry tone, the repetitive motion provides sensory input that can redirect your attention away from anxious thoughts. This is similar to how fidgeting works - it engages the sense of touch, which can help ground you in the present moment. 

2. Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Gentle, rhythmic movements can signal safety to your body, activating the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" system). This helps lower heart rate and reduces stress hormones such as cortisol.

3. Distraction and Cognitive Load

Anxiety often comes from racing thoughts. Using a Serenity Stone creates a mild cognitive tasks (the act of rubbing), which competes for mental resources and can interrupt the cycle of anxious thinking. 

4. Association and Conditioning

Over time, if you use a Serenity Stone, your brain may start to associate the stone with relaxation. This creates a conditioned response, so just holding the stone can trigger a sense of calm. 

5. Mindfulness Aid

The stone can act as a physical anchor for mindfulness. Focusing on its varied texture, temperature, and shape encourages you to stay present, which is a proven technique for reducing anxiety. 

So how can you use Serenity Stone once you get it?

• Carry it with you: keep a worry stone in your pocket, purse, or desk drawer so it is always easily accessible to you in stressful moments. 
• Use During Anxiety or Stress: When you feel anxious:
  
  • Hold the stone between your thumb and index finger
  • Rub it slowly and rhythmically 
  • Focus on the texture and warmth of the Stone

This tactile focus should help ground you and redirect your thoughts. 

• Pair with Breathing Exercises: Combine rubbing the stone with deep breathing:
  • Inhale for 4 seconds while rubbing
  • Hold for 4 seconds
  • Exhale for 4 seconds. This creates a calming rhythm
• Mindfulness Practice: Use the stone as a physical anchor:
  • Notice its colour, shape, and temperature. 
  • Describe these details silently to yourself. This keeps you present and reduces racing thoughts.