"The brain stimulation that is created with the use of play doh can release endorphins that can improve mood. Some believe that this can also stimulate nerves in your hands that communicate with the limbic system of your brain, the part of the brain that deals with our emotions." - Mandy Albaugh, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Playing with Play Doh may seem like it’s for kids but squishing it around can help calm tension and improve your focus. It’s also fun to make, and there are many different recipes out there. Here are a couple to try.
Aromatherapy Playdough Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 TBSP coconut oil
10-20 drops essential oil
Wax paper
Optional: gel food coloring
Instructions: Add flour, salt, and cream of tartar to a large skillet or saucepan. Whisk to combine. Add water, mix, then add coconut oil. Cook and stir over low heat. It will be lumpy at first, keep stirring. After a few minutes, before it thickens too much, add in food coloring if desired. Once food coloring is mixed in, increase heat to medium low. Continue cooking and stirring until it no longer looks wet. Remove from pan and let rest on wax paper for 30 minutes. When cooled a bit, knead until smooth. Store in an airtight container up to 3 months.
Fluffy 2 Ingredient Playdough
Hair conditioner (any kind)
Corn starch
Optional: food coloring
Mix 1 part hair conditioner to 2 parts cornstarch. Add food coloring if desired.