They're great for crafting. Canning wouldn't be possible without them. Adding them to any room instantly ups its country-chic factor. But now, we have a new reason to love mason jars: Our favorite DIY staple might just be the secret to feeling more relaxed at home.
Calming jars, which are literally mason jars filled with glitter, have recently become popular among Instagram users who believe they can reduce anxiety. A video by Insider recently went viral, with over 19 million views, and we can see why. Just look how mesmerizing it is:
[facebook ]https://www.facebook.com/thisisinsidervideo/videos/vb.496710990536538/550308685176768/?type=2&theater[/facebook]
Even better, this DIY could not be easier to make. All you have to do is fill the jar with hot water, add in glue, and finish it off with glitter.
According to Christie Kiley, an occupational therapist who blogs at Mama OT, these jars can also help calm down children who are overstimulated. She writes:
If a child is so upset she cannot be consoled or engaged in other calming activities (like she doesn't want to be touched, hugged, or talked to), these Calm Down Bottles can serve as a visual "anchor" in order to bring her focus into one place when it may feel like her world is spinning out of control. She can shake the bottle as hard as she wants (so don't use a glass bottle), and this provides calming proprioceptive input to her body while also serving as a physical outlet that is less destructive than hitting or kicking. While she holds the bottle and watches the glitter fall, her hands and eyes are brought to midline and this can help organize and center her nervous system as well. And as her heart pounds and she demonstrates fast, shallow breathing from being so upset, the slow fall of the shaken glitter can serve as a visual model that, often unconsciously, can slow her heart rate and respiration.
Rather than a glass mason jar, Christie suggests using a water bottle if you plan to give your calming jar to a child.
Of course, we won't blame you for keeping one of these around for yourself. The glitter will, naturally, make any room in your home sparkle.
See some more examples from around the web:
