Life is stressful. Whether it's a demanding job, financial worries, health issues, or everyday challenges, most of us deal with high anxiety at some point. When feeling overwhelmed, having tools to quickly calm your nerves can prevent stress from spiraling out of control. This is where fidget toys can come in handy.
Let's examine how these clever little gadgets can help you channel nervous energy, ease anxiety, and reduce stress through mindful, repetitive motion.
Why We Fidget
Fidgeting, clicking pens, biting nails, and other nervous habits are common reflexes when we feel anxious and overwhelmed. Physical outlets help release pent-up tension when we're on edge. Fidget toys give this nervous energy a healthy place to go. Rather than being disruptive or destructive behaviors, fidgeting with toys allows that tension to flow out subtly. The toys' small size and portability make them the perfect outlet when you're stuck in a stressful situation.
Having an object to keep your hands busy distracts from anxious thoughts and feelings. The repetitive motions offer soothing simulations that can actually calm the nervous system. On a neurochemical level, manipulating the toys releases dopamine in the brain, making us feel more relaxed.
Calm Through Motion
Most fidget toys involve some repetitive motion like spinning, squeezing, clicking, rolling, bouncing, sliding, or flipping. These motions activate our sense of touch and can almost put the mind into a meditative state. The physical movement focuses our attention on the present, rather than rehashing the stressful thoughts that trigger anxiety.
Watching a fidget spinner spin or clicking a fidget cube, for example, creates a calming, almost hypnotic effect. The hands have an outlet for the "fight or flight" energy that builds up with anxiety. Focusing on these motions blocks out intrusive thoughts and brings stress levels down a notch. The toys work as mini resets to prevent anxiety from boiling over.
Build Focus and Concentration
Fidget toys don't just reduce anxiety - they can also help increase focus. Fidgeting increases blood flow and activity in the prefrontal cortex, which improves our attention span, concentration and on-task behavior.
When the hands are busy, the mind is better able to focus on work, school, or important tasks. This explains why some children with ADHD find it easier to complete classwork when they have objects to fidget with. Adults can also benefit from occupying their hands during tasks that require concentration like office work, studying, reading, or learning a new skill.
Having an outlet for restless hands makes it easier to resist other distractions and stay focused.
Make Fidgeting Acceptable
Nervous habits like clicking pens, shaking legs, and nail biting are common self-soothing behaviors when we feel anxious. Unfortunately, they can also draw attention and disturb people around us. They may be seen as inappropriate in many settings like offices, schools, or during events.
Fidget toys are acceptable alternatives that usually don't make noise or cause a disruption. Most are small, subtle, and can be used in a variety of environments. They allow you to discreetly let out nervous energy without judgment from others.
With anxiety at an all-time high, schools and workplaces are now more understanding about fidget tools. With proper discretion, they enable people to channel stress without being a distraction.
Options for Every Taste
With the popularity of fidget items on the rise, the choices are endless. Here are some of the most common types and their soothing mechanisms:
Fidget spinners - These pinwheel discs spin with a satisfying whir. Watching the hypnotic motion can ease stress.
- Squeeze balls - Applying force to squish these soft balls releases tension. Caution: Some make noise.
- Tangle toys - Bending, twisting and tangling these textured pieces gives restless hands an outlet.
- Fidget cubes - This multi-sided die has buttons, dials, switches for fidgeting fingers.
- Monkey's fists - These knotted balls offer varying textures and a throwing option.
- Snap bracelets - The sensation of snapping these coiled plastic bands around your wrist can calm nerves.
- Fidget pads - Running fingers over this soft, sensory pad provides comfort and focus.
No matter your preference, there is a fidget toy to fit your needs. Having one suited to you makes it more likely you'll use it.
Discreet Stress Relief
While deep breathing, mindfulness, and exercise provide anxiety relief, they aren't very subtle when you're in public or around others. Fidget toys offer portable, discreet options to find quick calm wherever you are.
Keep one in your pocket or bag and simply access it whenever you feel your stress levels rising. Excuse yourself to the restroom and spend a minute using your spinner or cube if anxiety strikes at work. Pull it out during a stressful flight or medical appointment. Having a healthy outlet close at hand makes it easier to get through tough situations.
Give Fidget Tools a Try
Fidget toys shouldn't replace professional help for severe anxiety. But giving them a try costs little and offers low-risk stress relief. Keep them handy for stressful times and alternate them with other healthy coping skills. Focus on finding options you enjoy and that provide a subtle sense of calm. Make fidget toys part of your mental health toolbox for managing anxiety.
