• Worry beads are used by different cultures around the world.string of beads of different colours image by isatori from Fotolia.com
  
  According to an article in the "Los Angeles Times," worry beads have been used for centuries by many different cultures, including those of the Greeks, Arabs and Syrians. Worry beads can be made from a variety of ordinary or precious materials and are different from prayer beads or rosaries. Worry beads are used to help occupy the hands during times of thought or contemplation. While some cultures have developed specific methods for using the beads, other cultures allow users to develop their own methods of movement.
  
  

Foster Creativity

• According to the website of the Athenian Center of Worry Beads, worry beads have been used by Greeks to foster or improve creativity. The silken tassel attached to the worry beads is believed to relax the body and the nervous system and activate the right hemisphere of the brain, allowing for better creative stimulation and thought.
  
  

Aid in Communication

• The use of worry beads has evolved into a conversation aid in some cultures. Worry beads have been used during interviews and business meetings. Clicks of beads can relieve awkward silences in conversation and can give a person time to gather his or her thoughts or to add a purposeful pause for effect.
  
  

Release Stress or Soothe

• Unlike beads used for prayer, the main purpose of worry beads is to provide comfort to the owner. Beads are often placed in pockets, around the neck, around the wrist or around the hand. Owners may handle the beads to calm themselves or use the beads as a means to bring calm. For some users, the clicking sound is soothing. For others, the process of moving the beads along the strand brings comfort.
  
  

Symbolize Wealth or Prestige

• In Greek culture, a special type of worry beads known as efhandron are used to flaunt wealth. Efhandron, which means a creation from beads that cause happiness, are typically made of precious or semi-precious materials and are considered to be fine jewelry by some owners. Real silk threads can be used to construct the tassels, while polished stones of amber, ivory, turquoise, jade or other materials are used to make the bead chains.