Squeeze away stress: study tests simple tricks for easier blood donation

This study looked at whether using a stress ball or listening to music could help first-time platelet donors feel less anxious, stressed, or in pain. 102 donors were split into three groups: one squeezed a stress ball for 30 minutes, one listened to instrumental music for 30 minutes, and one received standard care. Researchers measured anxiety, stress, and pain levels before and after the donation to see if these simple activities made a difference.