This truly does help with stress. I'm dealing with anxiety right now and this little thing helps calm me down. If I'm feeling down for any reason, using all sides of this fidget helps relieve that feeling. I believe there's something about the tactical touch of the different sides that affects different people differently. I love all the sides, but the little silver ball that rolls and the smooth indentation really relax me. It's great to use if you're in bed and can't relax for whatever reason. So glad my son got this for me. I got one for his bday and then he had me try it, I liked and he got me one. So glad he did.