Fidgeting is a common habit that most of us have experienced at some point or another.
It refers to the small movements we make with our hands and feet without thinking about it.
This could include tapping your foot, drumming your fingers, tapping a pencil, and so on.
Verywell / Joules Garcia
Fidgeting is believed to be a physical reaction to stress or concentration.
In fact, fidgeting may allow your brain to concentrate on a difficult task longer.
Fidgeting often happens without you realizing it.
Research shows that fidgeting is a physical reaction to stress or concentration.
Characteristics of Fidgeting
There are several different ways to fidget.
Common signs of fidgeting include:
Causes of Fidgeting
Fidgeting has been linked to stress and anxiety.
It may also be resulting from an underlying health condition.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can lead to increased fidgeting behaviors.
The higher your anxiety level, the more you may fidget in response.
Fidgeting is a common physical response tostress.
It may even be a tool for sustaining your focus as stress increases.
The more time you spend concentrating on a project, the more you will start to fidget.
Sustaining focus over a long period of time can increase stress in the brain.
It may also be a sign that its time to take a break and come back to it later.
Children and adults with ADHD commonly fidget throughout the day.
Othersymptomsof ADHD include:
Does fidgeting mean someone isn’t listening?
No, fidgeting does not mean that someone is not listening to you.
Studies show that fidgeting may even improve the retention of new information.
Mild fidgeting is common and usually occurs as a reaction to needing to concentrate.
As long as it does not interfere with your life, no treatment is needed.
However, there are steps that you’ve got the option to take to reduce your fidgeting.
This is especially important if it has begun to affect your ability to work or live your life.
First, work with your healthcare provider to determine if there is a cause.
Treating an underlying condition like ADHD or RLS could improve your fidgeting behaviors.
Retraining Your Focus
It may be more realistic to harness your fidgeting, rather than stopping it.
This refers to purposely engaging in physical activity during times of stress or concentration to reduce involuntary fidgeting.
Other strategies that may help include:
Standing desks dont affect fidgeting but may improve concentration among schoolchildren.
Fidgeting may also lead to improved information retention.
Fidget Spinners
Fidget spinner toys have been marketed as a helpful tool for learning.
Unfortunately, the use of fidget spinners has been found to negatively affect attentiveness in children.
Fidget spinners can be distracting and make concentration more difficult.
Its important to remember that frequent fidgeting does not necessarily mean that you have a health problem.
Lifestyle factors such as skipping meals or not getting enough sleep can result in increased stress and fidgeting symptoms.
Should you tell employers/teachers about your ADHD fidgeting?
You are not legally required to disclose your ADHD diagnosis to your employer.
Summary
Fidgeting refers to the small movements we make with our hands and feet without realizing it.
Most people experience fidgeting from time to time.
Common signs include tapping your foot, drumming your fingers, or shifting in your seat.
Fidgeting may be a physical reaction to stress or concentration.
It could also be due to an underlying health condition like ADHD or restless legs syndrome.
People who fidget tend to retain more new information than those who do not.
Fidgeting may have health benefits as well.
If you are concerned about your level of fidgeting, talk with your healthcare provider.
If you tend to fidget, you may find the habit frustrating.
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