The fidget factor
Twiddling your thumbs and tapping your feet can make you less stressed.
Fidgeting is often seen as a sign of being bored or restless. Some might think you’re not paying attention but studies show that having ants in your pants could be good for you.
What is fidgeting?
Fidgeting means making small, restless movements without meaning to. It can be soothing and repetitive, like drumming your fingers on a desk, or feeling the need to shuffle around in your chair because you can’t get comfy. Do you often find yourself tapping your toes, jiggling your knees, nibbling your nails or twiddling your hair? Most people, including grown-ups, get the fidgets from time to time and scientists say people are more likely to fidget when they are excited, worried or tired, but it can happen any time.
How is it good for you?
Have you ever felt restless on a long car journey or while watching a film? Scientists say this could be our body’s way of telling us to move around and burn energy. As well as keeping you fit, fidgeting has been shown to reduce stress. It also gets your brain going, explains scientist Anne Churchland. Some people need to be calm and still to think, but for others twisting and twiddling boosts their concentration and memory. “Fidgeting actually helps many of us to relax, focus and tackle tasks,” Churchland says.
Find your fidget
Moving around when you need to sit still – for instance, in class – can disturb others as well as yourself, so it’s good to fidget responsibly. Research shows that doodling (drawing pictures or patterns while thinking of something else) can improve concentration and help you remember more information. Playing with putty or squeezing a stress ball can help you stay calm and focused. Author Dr Kat Arney says some forms of deliberate fidgeting, like knitting, can be very relaxing. Everyone unwinds in different ways, so whether it’s playing a musical instrument or making crafts while watching TV, try to find the best fidget for you.