#adhd fidgeting

[imovedsorryguys]

Tbh I want a couple tangles and fidget spinners for Christmas. Like I have the phone of my dreams so like... just buy me fidget toys lmao.

[nloadhd-blog]

Understanding Fidgeting and ADHD

Eric Patterson explores the use of fidgets and gives examples from several different sensory groups. I wish the benefits were more widely recognized.  

If I’m watching a movie, I often knit or color. If I’m supposed to be listening, I tap my fingers or twirl my pen. I am more apt to zone out if I have nothing else to occupy my mind while I am paying attention to something.

That sounds pretty counterproductive; how can a person pay better attention by giving part of their attention to something else? The truth is few things occupy 100% of your attention. Trying to give 100% usually fails. If you allow yourself to fidget with ADHD, it takes up a minimal amount of attention, but just enough to keep your mind stimulated.

The article mentions fidgets like music, candles, and certain foods or drinks as well as body movements and the more recognizable items such as soft balls, pens or pencils and things that can be held.

Some — such as candles — I’ve never thought of trying. Others, like music serve to distract me instead of help. As with anything, your choice of fidget is dictated by what works best with your personality.  It’s also best, I think, to vary the types of fidgets you use so that your brain doesn’t get so used to one that it starts to lose interest. Fidgeting has saved me in countless situations!

- Kristi