What if I told you that fidgeting could actually be beneficial? Sounds pretty far-fetched, right? Well, bear with me—I'm about to explain how fidgeting can help increase your productivity.
The Benefits of Fidgeting
Fidgeting has been shown to have several benefits, both mental and physical. For starters, fidgeting can help improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. It also helps burn calories albeit very slowly! And perhaps most importantly, fidgeting has been linked to improved concentration and focus.
So how does fidgeting help with concentration? One theory is that it provides a much-needed break from boredom or mental fatigue. When we're stuck on a task that requires sustained focus, our brains can become overwhelmed and our attention span starts to dwindle.
Fidgeting gives our brains a brief respite from the task at hand, allowing us to refocus and return to the task feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Another theory is that fidgeting helps release excess energy, which would otherwise be distracting us from the task at hand. Have you ever felt so tense or wound up that you just had to get up and pace around the room?
That's your body's way of releasing excess energy—and it turns out, fidgeting serves the same purpose. By twirling a pen or tapping your foot, you're essentially burning off that excess energy so you can focus on the task at hand.
There is some evidence that fidgeting may help to lower blood pressure. Fidgeting increases the body's metabolic rate, which in turn leads to an increase in heart rate and a decrease in blood pressure. Additionally, fidgeting can help to improve circulation and keep the body active.
We are absolutely not a medical advice blog! If you fidget and have questions or concerns about what this means for yourself or a loved one, please consult your healthcare provider.
Can Fidgeting Be Bad For You?
There's no definitive answer to this question since fidgeting can be beneficial in some cases and harmful in others.
For example, fidgeting can help you stay alert and focused if you're studying or working, but it can also be a sign of other underlying health issues such as Restless Let Syndrome.
Overall, fidgeting is probably neutral - it's not going to make or break your health, but it's not exactly good for you either. The best way to think about it is this: if fidgeting is helping you stay productive and healthy, then keep doing it; but if it's causing problems or making you less productive, then try to limit or stop altogether.
If you are a frequent fidgeter, continue to be aware of your overall health condition, get regular health assessments, and be on the lookout for treatable concerns.
Fidgeting - Bothersome to Others?
Yes, you can fidget in public--it's a perfectly natural thing to do, but it can be irritating to those around you.
The key is to exercise common courtesy and refrain from fidgeting when it may cause inappropriate distraction at an activity or event. Try to fidget discreetly so as not to bother or distract those around you.
You can try tapping your foot or bouncing your knee under the desk, or wiggling your fingers and toes. And if you really need to get up and move around, try walking around the block or doing some stretches at your desk.
Better yet, read on for the latest on fidget toys!
A Time-Tested Yet Modern Solution
Fidget toys and fidget spinners have existed since ancient times with the same goal of calming and releasing excess nervous energy to allow the brain to concentrate and keep focus.
Modern-day fidget toys come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and styles with colors, lights, and sounds! It remains to be seen if those provide the same calming and relaxing benefits as the quieter, tactile, simple favorites.
The next time you find yourself fidgeting, don't instantly think of it as a bad habit that needs to be stopped. Instead, try to see it as your body's natural way of helping you stay focused and productive. And who knows—you might even start to enjoy it!
If you'd like to see some of our favorite fidget toy options, check out these additional articles from our blog:
Best 14 Fidget Toys Advent Calendar (We Love Them All!)
Top 10 Dimple Fidget Toy Favorites (Fun Times for Fingers!)
Do Fidget Toys Help With ADHD? Does Focus Really Improve?
How Does a Fidget Spinner Work? (You'll Be Surprised!)
Wishing you calm focus, concentration, and fun!
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