Problem: Mental and Physical Restlessness
John is both mentally and physically restless. He gets more hyperactive as his meds wear off. Sitting in meetings at the end of the day is sheer agony! His leg is bouncing and annoys the co-worker next to him. His brain is in a million places and he feels like he’s jumping out of his skin!
Solution: Fidgets!
John’s coach recognizes his need to move and suggests“respectful fidgeting”, such as doodling, chewing gum, trying a steel fidget ring, sensory friendly pencils with raised textures as well as pens that have a spinning feature.
His coach additionally mentioned his need to move before sitting down in a meeting. Every one of these suggestions made a difference!
How do fidget toys help?
Fidget toys offer an outlet for physical movement and sensory stimulation that individuals with ADHD seek. They can greatly influence focus and provide an outlet for restless energy. Fidgets offer tactile sensory input and repetitive motor movements needed to help people with self-regulation.
A 2015 study found that the hyperactive movements associated with ADHD help people focus better.
The groundbreaking book, Fidget to Focus, by Roland Rotz and Sarah Wright demonstrates how to keep your brain engaged and focused with tools and techniques that can be used at any time, such as movement.
Can Fidgeting be Viewed as Negative?
Absolutely! How many times have we heard as kids, “Sit still and pay attention?” The truth is that both children, teens, and adults move in order to pay attention, though it may appear the opposite!
In the Chadd article“Harnessing Fidgeting to Improve Focus”, Carly A. Heller, PsyD, states that fidgets should target specific fidgeting habits, not take away or compete with auditory or visual cues, not be too stimulating, and be discreet in public.
How does Fidgeting effect the Brain?
The body effects the brain as much as the brain effects the body, says John Ratey, MD. In his landmark book Spark, he cites research showing that physical activity, including fidgeting, increases levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, namely dopamine and norepinephrine. These brain chemicals make a difference in the brain, quite similar to the way that ADHD medications do. Both dopamine and norepinephrine play a key role in sharpening focus and increasing attention.
What are Some Examples of Fidgeting?
Fidgeting takes many forms, but here are some common examples:
Doodling
Chewing gum
Working while rolling a tennis ball under your foot
Squeezing a stress ball
Walking and talking
Keeping your hands busy with a fidget pen or pencil
Keeping a weighted fidget spinner in your pocket for long conversations
What are some examples of fidgets?
Fidgets that can make a difference are:
Fidget cubes
Gear toys
Bouncy bands
Fidget spinners
Stress balls
Sensory rings
Tangle toys
Flippy chains
Chinese finger traps
Pencil fidgets that are textured
Fidget pens with tips that spin
Kinesthetic desk toys, such as a spinning orb
Fidgets really can help with focus! Consider how fidgets might support you in moving from chaos to calm!
Join us next week for part 2, where we focus on specific movement strategies that make a difference!
Click here to schedule a sample coaching session to see how fidgeting as well as other strategies can add to your ADHD toolbox!
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