‘Confessions of a Brand Manager’ presents the curious case of stress ball metrics: the number of stress balls dotting the office landscape is directly proportional to the proximity of our deadlines.

As the countdown to D-day begins, our desks become a sea of squeezable foam. Each colourful orb not only helps us channel our inner zen but also serves as a silent, squishy herald of the ticking clock. It’s our way of keeping the pressure at bay—grip, squeeze, release, and repeat.

So, the next time you spot a stress ball on a desk, know that it’s more than just a toy; it’s a gauge of our pulse and pace.

Do you have a quirky stress reliever that doubles as a work barometer? Share your own office stress indicators in the comments, or send a stress-busting tip to [email protected]. Let’s deflate the tension and bounce back from stress together!