If you’re a parent of young children or even tweens then you’ll know that fidget toys have been trending lately. They come in every shape, size, colour and brand it seems - we have a few in our house and I have to confess they’re a bit of a guilty pleasure. There’s something about fidgeting around with the poppers (I assume created to feel a bit like bubble wrap) that’s quite calming for the senses.
But do fidget toys and tools really work for anxiety?
Experts have mixed views on whether they really work, but plenty of people are using them to increase their levels of focus, reduce restlessness and manage anxiety.
Fidget toys and tools have been proven to help children with autism spectrum disorders self-regulate. Hand fidgets can help manage anxiety, improve attention/ability to focus, or even help children calm down when dealing with a surge of emotions such as extreme anger or frustration. Children on the autism spectrum can benefit from fidgeting, especially when they are stimming, and there’s more information here if you’re interested in finding out which toys can work best for children with autism.
Fidget jewellery
Fidget toys and tools can be very helpful for people with certain anxiety disorders like skin picking (dermatillomania) and hair-pulling as they give the hands something else to do. Fidget bracelets, charms and necklaces can also be a pretty and stylish way to wear something that helps keep your hands occupied. There’s some great information online about how to use fidget jewellery, try this how to page from Worry-Knot UK. WorryKnot have created a whole range of beautiful fidget jewellery including this limited edition fidget bracelet in collaboration with our team here at WorryTree.
Is there any scientific evidence?
Whilst there’s growing evidence from studies that fidget tools can be extremely effective in helping to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders and other conditions which affect focus and concentration, the jury is still out on their effectiveness for anxiety and generalised anxiety disorders.
However they remain a really popular technique especially where you’re feeling excess energy that’s making you feel restless and fidgety. I use my fidget bracelet to distract me from picking the skin on my thumbs when I am feeling anxious, but everyone is different and as always with anxiety, it’s important that you experiment and find your own strategies for coping.
Do you use fidget tools to help when you’re feeling anxious? We’d love to hear your recommendations so please share them in the comments below!