Living in modern society can be stressful, which is why it's become increasingly important to look after our own wellbeing. What is wellbeing, exactly? It's the state of feeling comfortable within ourselves and within our lives. Modern life means that we are often overloaded with worrying information, from the news to social media, and it can be difficult for us to switch off. Now more than ever, people are trying to find a way to help relieve their daily stresses. Sometimes the answers lie in ancient practices, such as using the best worry beads to help us unwind.
Taking it back to a much simpler time can help refocus the mind. One of the oldest practices is using worry beads. They're a great way to pass the time and soothe an anxious mind by keeping your hands busy. Sometimes, worry beads can be used when people are wanting to beat addictions, like quitting smoking for example. So, we scoured the internet to find the best worry beads made from some of nature's best materials, including healing crystals.
Today, they are used worldwide to help with meditation, prayer or to keep your fingers and mind distracted in times of stress. Many A-listers like Masterchef Australia judge, Jock Zonfrillo have publicly spoken about the benefits of using worry beads to combat mental health. If you're feeling particularly stressed, then a wellbeing hamper may also come in handy to soothe feelings of anxiety and treat yourself to some necessary self-care.
Best worry beads at a glance:
• Best Obsidian worry beads: Black Obsidian Gemstone Greek Worry Beads
• Best Tiger's Eye worry beads: Greek Style Loose Strung Tiger's Eye Worry Beads
• Editor's choice: Greek Komboloi Worry Beads with Green Marble
However, if you're looking for a way to reconnect with the world around you and escape from life's daily stressors, then a wellbeing retreat may be what you need. Now that you know what worry beads are and how they can benefit your life, here at Spirit & Destiny, we have found all of the best options to support you through life's challenges. Keep reading to find out how to use worry beads in our frequently asked questions below.
The best worry beads
Best Obsidian worry beads
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Black Obsidian is a powerful cleanser of your aura and is a strong psychic protection stone. This stone will help to shield you against negativity, making it the perfect material for worry beads by helping you to keep the anxious energy at bay.
Customer review: "I love these worry beads! They feel so good in my hand, the weight of them is satisfying and the coolness is very therapeutic for me, helping me to relax, and last but not least they are beautiful!"
Pros
- Handmade item
- Can be worn as an accessory
- Powerful energy cleanser
Cons
- Low in stock
Best Tiger's Eye worry beads
Tiger’s Eye is known to be a stone of courage. It can help to ground you and give you the confidence to go about your daily life, all while filling you with inner strength. These loose-strung worry beads can give you somewhere to focus your anxious energy while bringing positive energy to you.
**Customer review: "**Fantastic, tactile and well constructed beads. These Tiger's Eye beads are very visually appealing and fun to play with. Seller fantastic to deal with. 100% would buy again."
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Beads are smooth in your hands
- Attracts self confidence
Cons
- Low in stock
Editor's Choice
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We love these green marble worry beads. They look beautiful as you're wearing them, as the rich colour works as a statement piece when worn. These gender-neutral worry beads are a fantastic option for men and women. Green marble is a durable material, and the smooth finish of the beads creates a calming feeling between your hands.
Customer review "I love it! It's a perfect size to hold easily in one hand. The colours are exquisite and are overall great quality."
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Beads are lightweight to hold
- Quick delivery
Cons
- Low in stock
Best brown obsidian worry beads
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A slightly different colour variation to the typical black obsidian, these Brown Obsidian Worry Beads are a beautiful decorative item. As well as helping to soothe anxiety by giving you something to fidget with on your wrist, they also make a lovely decorative bracelet for you to wear as an accessory.
Customer review: "I love the beads and the weight!"
Pros
- A bestseller
- Handmade item
- Powerful energy cleanser
Cons
- Delivery comes with an additional cost
Best Hematite worry beads
Hematite is the best crystal for increasing your level of attention and focus. If you plan to use your worry beads as a way to focus your mind whilst meditating, then these are the beads for you. Another interpretation is that Hematite can bring good luck, so wear these on your wrist for promoting prosperity.
Customer review: "Really happy with this bracelet. I bought it for a present and she loves it. Exactly as described, it's a little heavy, but to me that just reassured me it's well made. Hematite can be quite fragile, but it feels like that won't be a problem in this case. I'll add to my review if that changes."
Pros
- Handmade item
- Currently on offer
- Fantastic for increasing focus
Cons
- A little on the heavier side
Best Blue Agate worry beads
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If you suffer from low moods or anxious thoughts blue agate may be the stone for you. It offers spiritual healing and strengthens your emotional health. This crystal is linked to the heart chakra, which will help heal any emotional troubles you may be suffering with.
Customer review: "I love these beads, they've helped me a lot with anxiety recently. It's super well made and absolutely gorgeous. I love it!"
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Free delivery
- Great quality
Cons
- Some found the length too short
Best evil eye worry bead
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The Evil Eye has been found in many cultures throughout history. The symbol is said to ward off negative energies and bad intentions. Carrying these worry beads is said to ward off any evil that is directed toward the carrier, so these worry beads are a protective option to ease anxiety.
Customer review: "Perfect. It also came a week before the estimated delivery date. This is my second time buying from this shop. I'm really happy with my product."
Pros
- Handmade item
- Multipurpose and can be used as a charm
- Different designs available
Cons
- Delivery comes with an additional cost
FAQs
What is the history of worry beads?
Since ancient times people have used beads. Evidence shows that the idea of using beads began more than 50,000 years ago. It is believed, that the first use of worry beads dates back to Greece during the medieval period. A set of Greek worry beads are called Komboloi. However, beads can be seen throughout religions from Rosary beads to Muslim prayer beads. Although the concept of worry beads themselves hold no significant religious association.
How to use worry beads?
Worry beads can help you to concentrate, replace a bad habit or refocus the mind in a time of heightened anxiety. The beads work by relaxing the mind and helping it to work efficiently. There is no set way to use worry beads but all actions should be undertaken slowly. This allows your heart rate to mimic the movements and slow down its pace. You can choose whether to use the beads softly or more intensely. They also make perfect wellbeing gifts for loved ones who suffer from anxiety.
Using your beads slowly
If you are in a busy place or a social situation where you feel tense, you can wrap your beads around your wrist and move the beads around the string or rub the beads. This is a great method if you do not want others to notice the beads. They can also be kept in your pocket or your hand for inconspicuous use. Like the best mindfulness colouring book for kids, worry beads may be an option for children who feel anxious at school or struggle to concentrate.
Using your beads intensely
Worry beads are not a quick-fix answer, but rather a great calming tool. If you wish to use them as a distraction you may wish to use them more intensely. Rotate your wrist in a circle so the beads on the back of your hand flip over the top of your hand. This may take some practice, but will help to distract your mind. If you find that you need more control over your wellbeing, a wellbeing course may equip you with the tools needed in order for you to gain some clarity.