Help me not flip out on my coworkers

April 20, 2008 5:01 PM

What good stress relieving desk game can I buy?

When I get stressed/angry at work, I get the full flush of emotion/rage that can keep me from getting back to the task at hand. Taking a deep breath helps only a little, and taking a walk helps a lot (though not always time for that), but what really helps me stay calm is doing some small logical task that gets my brain focused again.

My question is: Is there some sort of desk sized executive game I could keep on my desk that would occupy me for a few minutes while I chill out inside? Ideally it wouldn't be a puzzle that's too hard to complete, because that would be frustrating, or computer based, but rather something that sits on the desk. I picture something with marbles for some reason, but I don't really know what I am thinking of. I feel like this is something people kept on their desks maybe 20 years ago, but no longer. I don't want it to be on the computer because then it would look like I was slacking at working, whereas playing some little game would look more like a legitimate break. Help please?

posted by sweetkid to sports, hobbies, & recreation (8 comments total)

Magz! A totally fun toy. Sold in toy departments of most department stores. There's a black and chrome "executive" set as well.
posted by GuyZero at 5:17 PM on April 20, 2008

The phrase you want is "executive desk toy". Here are a few thoughts -
Fat Brain has a huge variety
Peg games - like the one called "strategy" here, which are also called "peg solitaire"
magnetic sculptures
Buddha Board or other paint-with-water set
posted by LobsterMitten at 5:20 PM on April 20, 2008

A Rubik's Cube!
Also, ThinkGeek Games/Puzzles
posted by comiddle at 5:21 PM on April 20, 2008

Set is a good game if looking for patterns clears your head. Nytimes has a puzzle if you want to try it out. The physical card deck is better, but at least gives you a taste of the game.
posted by ejaned8 at 5:55 PM on April 20, 2008

My colleague has a desk zen garden with sand, stones and a rake. Very therapeutic.
posted by arcticseal at 12:21 AM on April 21, 2008

Firebox.com
posted by DrtyBlvd at 12:51 AM on April 21, 2008

I like playing around with Smart Mass "thinking putty".

From the same company, Ball of Whacks is pretty fun, albeit a bit pricy.
posted by elmay at 4:01 PM on April 21, 2008

Ball of whacks looks perfect, and set looks good for home, though I am not quite sure how I would play it at work. Thanks though, I think this was one of my favorite questions to post/receive answers to.
posted by sweetkid at 6:06 PM on April 21, 2008