Fidgeting, or making small, restless movements, can look like tapping your fingers, bouncing your knees, or twirling your hair. It can be common in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or anxiety, and it has been thought that it is a way for the body to help people with attention disorders cope by releasing more stimulants and making them more focused.
Fidget toys are a good idea. Fidget toys are made to help you focus while getting rid of other, more distracting habits. They give your hands something to do so your mind can focus on something else and, when it needs to, relax. Read on to learn more about the different kinds of fidget toys and how they can help relieve stress.
What do “fidget toys” do?
Fidget toys are hand-held tools made to help people focus and feel less stressed. They are usually marketed to children. People also think that the toys help kids learn. Even though there isn’t enough scientific evidence to prove their benefits, researchers often use them and recommend them. There are many different kinds of fidget toys, like fidget spinners, fidget cubes, and rubber band balls.
How do fidget toys help people who are anxious?
When anxious, restless, impatient, or nervous, people with anxiety may fidget or move around in small ways. Fidget toys give these movements a place to go, which can help calm a person’s nerves, relieve stress, and give them something to do in a busy place. The toy distracts the user from stressful thoughts or situations and gives them a short-term way to feel better.
Some types of fidget toys
Fidget Spinners
Fidget spinners are three-pronged tools that fit in your hand and are meant to be spun. They are often made of plastic or metal. People who have trouble keeping their hands still can use these, but if they are used in the wrong way, they can be distracting.
Stress Balls
Stress balls come in different sizes, shapes, and materials. They can help you get rid of stress and calm your nerves. Researchers have also found that these fidget toys help people relax, ease the pain of arthritis, and build strength in the wrists and hands. Dr. Varma says that squeezing a ball or even just clenching and releasing our fist is part of a relaxation exercise called “progressive muscle relaxation.” Some stress balls have extra features, like scents that help relieve stress or different levels of resistance that can be used in physical therapy to build strength. Some of them even have positive affirmations written on them to help motivate and calm you even more. To know more about stress ball, you can visit Stress Ball Store.
Putty
Even though putty is something you might find in your home or classroom, it can also be used as a sensory fidget toy. Like a stress ball, putty or play doh is a way to relieve stress and tension. Putty comes in many colors and is small enough to fit in your pocket. It is also quiet and can be less distracting than toys like a fidget spinner.
Ring Fidget
Anxiety rings, which are also called “fidget rings,” look like regular rings you’d wear for style, but they have something you can fidget with, like a spinning part. If you’re feeling restless or can’t pay attention or stay focused, this small ring may help you stay on track and calm your mind, keeping you in the present and relieving stress. And no one has to find out!. For more ring fidgets, please visit https://ringfidgets.com/.
Chewable Pendants and Mindful Breathing Straws
Your hands aren’t the only sensory tools you can use. Chewable pendants can help people who like to chew on their fingernails, hair, pencils, sleeves, and other things. When looking for chewable sensory toys, make sure to look for ones that are latex-free, BPA-free, lead-free, PVC-free, and made of safe materials that can be put in your mouth. These are made for all ages, but children should only play with them under the supervision of an adult.
Mindful breathing straws are based on a breathing technique called “straw breathing,” which can be used with or without a straw to reduce stress. Straw breathing starts with taking normal, natural breaths through the nose. Then, the person blows out air through a straw while breathing in through the mouth. People can use the straw to help them fully exhale, which can help them feel less anxious or panicked and get back to their natural balance.
Fidget Cubes
This six-sided toy is a little more complicated, with a lot of things to do with your fingers. Most cubes are made of plastic, and each side has different things to do, like twisting, clicking, spinning, or flipping. This keeps the hands busy and lets the mind think about something else.
What You Should Look for in a Fidget Toy
There are many different kinds of fidget toys, and the right one for you, your child, or a loved one will depend on a few things. The most important thing to think about when choosing a fidget toy is what you need and what feels natural and will help you the most.
Need
Using a fidget toy can help you calm down or help you pay attention and concentrate, among other things. But it’s just as important to get professional help when you need it for anxiety, ADHD, and other conditions. Dr. Varma says that using a fidget toy isn’t a replacement for therapy and that it’s best for short-term use. “Fidget toys can be helpful in short-term situations, along with meditation and deep breathing exercises.” If you feel especially stressed, anxious, or unable to focus in certain situations, you might want to try a fidget toy to help you calm down and shift your attention.
When choosing a fidget toy, it can also be important to think about the environment. If the user is in a classroom or office, something quiet and small may be better so it doesn’t bother them or anyone else around them. In these situations, choose something that you can play with quietly or in secret, like a fidget cube, a stress ball, or putty. These toys will help you pay attention to what’s going on around you while calming your fidgeting, anxiety, or stress.
Durability
Since these toys are often used during times of worry and stress, they should be strong enough to last. If you want to use your fidget toy to help relieve stress or anxiety, you might want to buy one made of a stronger material, like plastic or metal.
Look and Feel
To keep using a toy, it’s important to pick one that feels good, gives you a sense of satisfaction, and has the texture and look you like. Dr. Varma says, “Pick a toy based on how it feels to you.” “Some people like something soft, others like the way fabric feels, and others may want something that makes noise.” Make sure you, someone you care about, or your child likes the way the fidget toy feels and is comfortable using it in public. Dr. Varma also says that kids shouldn’t play with toys that are too small or could cause them to choke.
